The fascinating stories revolving around gemstones are many and varied. The Ammonite is one such gem with an absorbing story behind its discovery.

Ammonites are marine animals or mollusks of the prehistoric era which have become extinct. They are similar to squids. But they have left behind unusual gemstones, treasured and valued. The story dates back to seventy five million years ago, when ammonites were in abundance. They were devoured by other animals especially the crocodilian reptile or the Mosasaurs. The shells of these mollusks were the only left over which eventually got crushed and buried. Over the years these shells got buried deeper and deeper into the earth. The fossilization of these shells brought about chemical changes in them that turned them into the beautiful gemstones that we know today - as the stunning, opalescent Ammonite or Argonite.

The gem contains multiple color combinations, which give it a unique rainbow effect. It is found in hues of blue, green, orange, purple, red, and yellow. Because of the unique color combinations, no two ammonite stones are alike.

The spectacular colors that these gemstones possess may hove been due to the crushing of the shells and the addition of other elements along the process that may have been added from the waters of the seas and rivers.

Some of these ammonites have been discovered whole, but they do not acquire the quality of gems. It is the crushed shells that exude a brilliance that only Ammonite possesses. This is quite possibly due to the reactions that occur while crushing.

Ammonite fossils are found in almost all the continents but those found in and around Alberta, Canada display the most vivid colors. It is the gems from these fossils that are treasured as gems.

Whatever the specific conditions, the shells of the extinct mollusks that are rarer than diamonds, have resulted in the gemstones that the world cherishes and values.