Ammolite

Ammolite is a rare, iridescent, gem-quality material cut from the fossilized shells of extinct sea creatures known as ammonites. Found only in Lethbridge, Alberta.

The people of the Blackfoot Nation have known about ammolite for many years. They refer to the gemstone as ‘Iniskim’ or ‘buffalo stone’. Legend tells of a harsh winter where the Blackfoot people faced starvation as the buffalo herds had moved away and their crops were frozen. While sleeping, a young woman within the tribe was sent a message by the Spirits in the form of a dream. She was told to search for a coloured stone with magical properties that would ensure her tribe’s prosperity. After days of searching, she found the stone in a cave and it gave her instructions on how to perform a ceremony that would call back the buffalo. The young woman used the stone as directed and upon her return to camp, herds of buffalo appeared on the plains and the tribe's hardships had been diminished.

SOURCES:

“Ammolite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information.” International Gem Society, 14 Jan. 2021, www.gemsociety.org/article/ammolite-jewelry-gem-information/#:~:text=Ammolite%20refers%20to%20the%20gem,been%20found%20across%20the%20globe.

“What Is Ammolite?” Ammonite Factory, www.ammonite-factory.com/ammonite-ammolite#:~:text=The%20History%20of%20Ammolite,and%20their%20crops%20were%20frozen.