Ammolite. The Definitive Guide to the Newest Rare and Exotic Gem

Transcription

1 Ammolite The Definitive Guide to the Newest Rare and Exotic Gem

2 Dedication This book is dedicated in loving memory of Rene Vandervelde ( ). Rene will forever be remembered as a founding father of Korite International. Without his vision Ammolite would have remained an obscure iridescent stone, rather than the internationally recognized and highly sought after gem it has become. Korite International The Ammolite Mine Credits Book design & layout by Ken Hare. Written & Compiled by Kurt Baker. Company Profile Korite International has grown steadily in the global jewelry industry since Internationally recognized as the leading producer of the rare and exotic Ammolite gemstone, Korite sets the standard for elegance in design and quality of craftsmanship. Unrivalled in customer service excellence, Korite International delivers with a conditional lifetime guarantee ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. Ammolite As rare as they are beautiful, all Ammolite gems are one of a kind unique in brilliance, color and pattern. Given official gemstone status in 1981, Ammolite is truly a wonder of nature. Nowhere else in the gem world is there to be found a combination of color and brilliance equivalent to that of Ammolite. Ammolite Nothing Compares. Copyright 2006 Korite International Korite International and The Ammolite Mine are trademarks of Korite Minerals. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Printed in Canada

3 Ammolite The beautiful colors and magnificent brilliance and iridescence of Ammolite make it a gem that attracts attention. Before you wear your Ammolite, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following information. That way, you will have all the knowledge necessary to answer the inevitable question, Excuse me, what is that gorgeous gem you re wearing? Color Durability Sources and Origin Supply The color present in Ammolite is caused by light interference during refraction into the many layers of the gemstone. Each color in Ammolite represents a different layer of the gem material. So, depending on the number of fine layers in the rough, everything from one color to the full visible spectrum will be displayed. Since the play of light varies, every Ammolite gem shows a unique array of color. The natural hardness of Ammolite is 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs Scale. However, Korite International caps most Ammolite gems with a protective spinel crystal, increasing the hardness to an exceptionally durable 8.0. These capped gems are called triplets and, when set in gold by Korite International, are covered by Korite International s conditional lifetime guarantee. Ammolite is formed from an ancient marine fossil called ammonite. Although sources of ammonite exist in other locations around the globe, it is only in one isolated region of Southern Alberta, Canada, that this deposit produces the gemstone Ammolite. Seventy-one million years of tectonic pressure, heat and mineralization have resulted in the formation of this geological wonder. The supply of Ammolite is extremely limited and with only one area for mining, Ammolite truly is one of nature s rarest gems. Korite International mines and supplies 90% of the world s Ammolite, and at current production estimates that high grade Ammolite could be exhausted within the next 20 years.

4 Ammolite Grading Feng Shui of Ammolite In pioneering the Ammolite industry, Korite International developed its own in-house grading system that is now the standard; both internationally accepted and used. Ammolite is graded on brilliance and variation of color within the gem. While blue is the most rare color found in Ammolite, it is most desirable to have a gem showing a variety of colors. The qualities of Ammolite are divided into the following six grades: AA (exquisite) This is the finest and most highly sought after quality of Ammolite, displaying three or more brilliant colors. Only the top 3 to 8% of Korite s annual production receives AA grading (spoken double A ). In viewing this top quality, one sees the absolute best of one of perhaps the rarest gem on earth; an experience not to be taken for granted, as many in the world will never have the opportunity to see or purchase this collection grade. A+ (extra fine) This grade of Ammolite can have similar coloration to AA gems but will lack some of the brilliance, or vice versa. A+ gems are always a great value, as you have a beautiful high grade gem without the premium price of the top quality. A (fine) One or more distinct colors can be found in A grade Ammolite. You can find an A grade gem with one very brilliant color, or a gem with three colors showing slightly less brilliance than A+. Standard or A- (good) The one or more colors in a Standard grade gem are less distinct than the finer grades, however the brilliance remains good. Typically, these gems are either primarily green or red. This category represents approximately 40% of Korite s annual production. B (fair) Korite only sets the four highest grades of Ammolite into gold jewelry. B grade gems are most often set in sterling silver or gold plated settings. They show one or two colors with fair brilliance. C (commercial) This is the lowest quality of gem grade Ammolite. C grade gems display faint color patches and may have unappealing fracture patterns. This material is often associated with the 5 to 10% of finished Ammolite that does not come from the Korite mine. Ancient art meets modern gem The Most Influential Gemstone of the Millennium World Renowned Feng Shui Master Edward Kui Ming Li Feng Shui is the Chinese art of harmonizing nature and directing the flow of life energy known as Ch i. Experts within the Feng Shui community have recognized the significant properties of the Ammolite gemstone, including its ability to radiate positive energy to the wearer. Referred to as the Seven Color Prosperity Stone, it is believed that each color in Ammolite has a different meaning and benefits the wearer in a different manner. Red stimulates growth and energy Orange generates creativity and increased libido Yellow improves wealth Green improves wisdom, intellect and promotes the independent spirit Blue, Indigo and Violet all promote health and serenity The ancient origin of Ammolite is credited as the foundation for its powerful energy. The Feng Shui masters believe that the gem, in its seventy one million years below ground, has absorbed cosmic energy from the universe. This energy, long contained and preserved, now radiates out and is absorbed by the wearer. The wearing of Ammolite reduces toxicity and enhances wellbeing by promoting the flow of Ch i through the body. Not only does it bring balance to the body, but also to the surrounding environment, such as the home or office. When the gem or a full fossil is in the home, it promotes a happy family; and when it is in the office, it promotes good business dealings. In essence, anyone possessing Ammolite is entitled to wondrous prosperity and fortune. Beyond the benefits of the Ammolite gem itself, Korite International works to ensure their jewelry designs too are in accordance with the practice of Feng Shui. World Renowned Feng Shui Master Edward Kui Ming Li shown holding an ammonite. Canadian Ammonites are revered for their vibrant color and special energy.

5 The Ammolite Timeline History of a gem The Blackfoot tribe of North America revere Ammolite, calling it Iniskim, & believe it to hold magical powers. Amateur lapidaries display their works at a local gem show in Nanton, Alberta, providing the first recorded use of Ammolite set in jewelry. Thus begins the journey of Ammolite toward its emergence as a world class gemstone. Appearance of the first published description of Ammolite in a major trade magazine. Ammolite is awarded Official Gem Status by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). Growing awareness & popularity of Ammolite generates strong demand in the Canadian tourism market. Niagara Falls, Vancouver, Banff National Park & Jasper National Park become well-known Ammolite shopping destinations. A second small deposit of gem material is located through testing & studying of the land. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) features an independent thesis on Ammolite in the Spring edition of its prestigious publication, Gems & Gemology. Ammolite Birth of a Gem documentary airs on Discovery Channel < Present A member of the National Geological Survey team provides the first descriptions of Ammolite & Canadian Ammonites along the St. Mary River in Alberta. The tradename Ammolite is first introduced. Throughout its history, Ammolite has been referred to as Gem Ammonite, Calcentine & Korite. Korite Minerals is founded, which in 1997, after extensive growth & expansion, will become Korite International. Korite locates the world s first Ammolite mine & finds the richest supply of high grade Ammolite on earth. It took years of exploration before Korite discovered the world s first viable Ammolite deposit & developed the intensive mining process still in use today. Several years of research & development are devoted to the development of advanced cutting technologies, distinguishing Korite as the world authority on Ammolite gems. Korite closes the first Ammolite mine. The land is restored & native grasses are seeded to improve the natural environment. Excavation of the second Ammolite deposit is underway & superior quality gem rough is found. Feng Shui Masters identify Ammolite as the most influential gemstone of the millennium. Awareness & appreciation for Ammolite continue to grow, as the international jewelry industry regards Ammolite by Korite International to be of the highest quality available Sources: 1. Pierre Pare, President of Korite International. 2. Ammolite thesis published in Gems & Gemology, Mychaluk, Levinson, & Hall, Spring 2001.

6 Design by Llyn Strelau Ammolite Production From mining to designing Mining Sorting Cutting & Polishing Grading To reach the highest quality and most productive Ammolite gem rough, Korite operates heavy machinery to remove up to 60 feet of surface rock. Meticulous effort is put forth as every section of earth is searched for gem material. The initial effort is completed by a machine operator along with spotters that are continuously watching and sorting, hoping to catch a glimmer of color during the excavation process. Complete Ammonite fossils found are set aside for restoration and are never compromised for the making of jewelry. Once the rough material has been excavated, the excess material is cut away from the gem quality material. The gem material is then transported from the remote mine site to the cutting facility located in Calgary, Canada. Through years of research and development, Korite has mastered specialized cutting techniques that have increased the durability of Ammolite. Using specially designed equipment, micro layers of the gem material are polished, revealing the brighter, more colorful layers of the gem. Protecting Once Korite master gem cutters reveal the full potential of the rough material, a gem crystal cover is affixed, protecting the Ammolite and giving it a hardness of 8.0. Specially trained quality control managers then carefully grade the finished Ammolite gems based on brilliance and variation of color. Setting Each Ammolite gem is individually handset to best display its beauty. The finished piece is then ready to be worn and cherished.

7 Unique and Beautiful Masterworks of the Gem World In the past, attempts were made to categorize Ammolite gems based on patterns, however this method has been cast aside in favor of appreciating each gem for its own uniqueness. Every fissure, fracture and matrix line often found in Ammolite is completely characteristic of the gem, adds to the natural beauty and helps tell the story of the immense pressure and tectonic movement under which it formed.

8 Mining Operations The largest Ammolite mine in the World In the process of mining, while the spotters are looking for shimmers of color, they occasionally happen upon an ironstone concretion. The picturesque valleys in the area surrounding the St. Mary river where we mine is home to deer, coyotes and other native species. The native grasses are restored and the natural environment is improved during the site reclamation process. Korite s responsible mining practices are a point of pride with everyone at the company. In a remote locale outside Lethbridge, Canada, Korite operates the world s largest and most successful Ammolite mine. The rolling terrain around the St. Mary River provides the setting for Korite to uncover a rich deposit of gem rough. These concretions form from moisture around a centerpiece. In the Korite mine, when a concretion is found it most often means that an ammonite is the centerpiece encased. The concretion is cracked open to reveal the wonder that is contained within. Once exposed, pictures are taken and sent to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. If the ammonite holds any new scientific significance, it is sent to the museum. Otherwise it is sent to Calgary where the restoration process brings back the natural brilliance and color.

9 Over the millennia, the land has twisted and turned, resulting in Korite now being able to find gem material anywhere from the surface down to 60 feet in depth. The St. Mary River cuts through the region, and the natural erosion along the banks occasionally reveals treasured ammonite fossils. As recently as 20 years ago, it was still considered a fun pastime to race rolling ammonite fossils down the river banks! Canadian Ammonites Rare and beautiful While ammonite fossils are found on every continent in rock formations from 400 million years old, only in southern Alberta, Canada, are they found with these distinctly bright, beautiful and iridescent colors. Colorful Canadian Ammonites are found in the upper Cretaceous Bearpaw formation, which dates back approximately 71 million years. These exceptionally scarce Canadian Ammonites are sought after by museums and private collectors the world over. They are at the pinnacle of these collections and make some of the most popular museum displays with their brilliant array of color. The Canadian government considers these rare ammonites a national treasure. For that reason, all Canadian Ammonites are individually numbered and recorded in the provincial database, and a cultural export permit is then required before these precious fossils are allowed to leave the country. Prices are determined first by the brilliance and variation of color, then by shape, and finally by the size of the ammonite. Prices can range from less than $1,000 for a small ammonite with little color, to well in excess of $50,000 for a very large ammonite with bright colors and very good shape. Korite International and its sister company, Canada Fossils, are committed to restoring and protecting these amazing natural treasures. Through this commitment, future generations will experience and appreciate this rare iridescent beauty.

10 Stunning fossils await visitors to the Tyrrell museum in Alberta s Badlands. Natural Legacy Our commitment to preservation One characteristic that makes the Tyrrell Canadian ammonite impressive is the rich depth of color. The Royal Tyrrell Museum, in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, is internationally recognized as one of the premier palaeontology museums in the world and receives visitors from around the globe. In 2003, Korite International and its sister company, Canada Fossils, donated perhaps the finest Canadian Ammonite ever unearthed. This prized ammonite is now on display in a special exhibit, as the Royal Tyrrell wants their visitors to see this spectacular specimen. In a letter of thanks, Museum Director Bruce Naylor noted that almost 900 specimens have come to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology through Korite International and Canada Fossils. Korite is proud of its generous contributions to the scientific record and its association with this world renowned museum. Korite and the Royal Tyrrell Museum speak a common language and will continue to cooperate in bringing the public some of the most awe-inspiring fossil treasures. Korite founder Rene Vandervelde (left) with Royal Tyrrell Museum director Bruce Naylor and the spectacular Canadian ammonite donated to the museum in 2003 by Canada Fossils, Korite International s sister company. Royal Tyrrell museum/alberta Community Development Royal Tyrrell museum/alberta Community Development

11 Canadian Legend The rich history of Ammolite in Banff, Canada Korite first brought Ammolite to the resort town of Banff, Alberta in the early 1980s, and it has been an Ammolite hot spot ever since. The gem quickly became popular with the fashion-forward Japanese tourists who flock to the mountain paradise. Korite Ammolite is now a featured brand in many Banff boutiques, including a Korite Ammolite exclusive boutique in the Banff Springs Hotel, Fairmont s luxurious flagship property. The resort destinations of the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and Jasper National Parks, now feature some of the best collections of quality Korite Ammolite in the world.

12 The Future of Ammolite For further information Brilliant and colorful Widespread and growing awareness throughout North America, Asia and Europe is resulting in fierce demand and ever-increasing value of Ammolite. And Korite International is now a force in the global luxury brand marketplace. Awareness and appreciation will continue to grow as jewellery connoisseurs around the world discover Korite Ammolite. This eye-catching and unforgettable gem should be a prized addition to everyone s jewellery collection. Inevitably however, as with all great art, these works of nature will not be fully appreciated until the supply has been exhausted. Rare, precious, and highly sought after, Ammolite is a true natural treasure. Ammolite Thesis article by Mychaluk, Levinson & Hall Spring 2001 issue of Gems & Gemology Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Ammolite: Birth of a Gem Independant documentary produced in association with Discovery Channel

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