Ammolite

Although ammolite is often grouped visually with opal because of its similar iridescent play-of-colour, it is an organic gemstone. It is formed from the fossilised, crushed shells of ancient ammonites (extinct marine molluscs) found primarily in the Bearpaw Formation of Alberta, Canada. The sheet-like iridescence is caused by light interference rebounding through microscopic, stacked layers of aragonite platelets.

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