Ammolite names as Alberta's official gemstone

Alberta has made it official, Ammolite is now being recognized as the official gemstone of Alberta.

Minister of Culture and Status of Women, Ron Orr said that the new provincial emblem has played an important part in Alberta's History, " Ammolite is an important part of our heritage and economy.

"Recognizing ammolite as Alberta’s official gemstone reflects the unique nature of the stone and of our province, and helps to fulfil recommendation 25 of the Fair Deal Panel," Orr stated.

The shell properties, combined with southern Alberta’s unique geology, transformed many ammonite shells into the ammolite that is mined and used for jewellery today.

Alberta known for its Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology said that the new provincial gemstone will add it the provincials reputation. "Alberta is world-renowned for its fossil resources. The designation of ammolite as Alberta’s official gemstone adds to this reputation, and speaks to the remarkable history of ancient life recorded in the rocks throughout the province," Dr. Craig Scott, director of preservation and research, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Prior to Thursdays announcement, there was no official gemstone recognized in the Emblems of Alberta Act. Passing the amendment will recognize ammolite alongside other official emblems such as the coat of arms, flag and wild rose.