Ammolite is an opal-like organic gemstone found almost exclusively along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, primarily harvested from the Bearpaw Formation — a marine deposit laid down roughly 75 million years ago. The material comes from the iridescent shells of fossilized ammonites, and Alberta remains the only commercial source of gem-quality specimens worldwide. The RCM has used ammolite inlays in collector issues for decades, sourcing from Korite International, the dominant producer operating near Lethbridge.
Ammolite is an opal-like organic gemstone found almost exclusively along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, primarily harvested from the Bearpaw Formation — a marine deposit laid down roughly 75 million years ago. The material comes from the iridescent shells of fossilized ammonites, and Alberta remains the only commercial source of gem-quality specimens worldwide. The RCM has used ammolite inlays in collector issues for decades, sourcing from Korite International, the dominant producer operating near Lethbridge.