# Ammolite > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Dragonskin Ammolite. Stained Glass Ammolite. Moonglow Ammolite. Cobblestone Ammolite. Sunset Ammolite. Lava River Ammolite. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Varied, iridescent | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Healing<br>- Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Polymorphic | > | **Formations** | Thin mineralized layer | > | **Formula** | CaCO3 (aragonite, calcite) | > | **Hardness** | 3.5–4.5 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Organic gemstone (fossil) | > | **Primary Components** | aragonite, calcite, silica, pyrite | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A rare organic gemstone, made of fossilized ammonite shell. It bestows courage and longevity upon its wearer, brings luck, and protects from poisons and getting lost. ### Physical Description An organic gemstone made of fossilized shells of ammonites—long-extinct marine mollusks. Its primary component, aragonite, is the same material as found in shells (nacre) and pearls. Ammolite comes in a variety of colors, with the most valuable showing at least three distinct, bright and iridescent colors (usually red, green, and blue) with a chromatic shift. The gemstone's fragility results in a variety of patterns, with the thin layer of aragonite broken down into a semblance of scales or rubble. Other variations resemble pools of lava, sheets of iridescent ice, or dull stones filled with internal light. --- ## Occurrence An extremely rare gemstone, ammolite is found among other fossils in long-gone seas. The mineralized layer is just a fraction of a millimeter thick, and cut together with an underlying layer of shale, clay, or limestone, called the ammolite matrix. ### Extraction & Preparation Ammolite is mined from the open pits, as it rarely occurs below 100 meters underground. About half of the mined ammolite is considered jewelry-grade, and no more than 10% has the iridescence and vibrancy prized by collectors. The gem is cleaned by hand due to its fragility and used either without any coating or covered in resin to protect it from damage during cutting. Do not use anything stronger than mild soap and warm water to clean ammolite to protect the colors from fading. Prolonged sunlight or heat exposure can also lead to bleaching. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Ammolite is a relatively new but prized gemstone, used by jewelry-makers in crafting pendants, earrings, and brooches. In items subject to more intense wear, like rings, ammolite is covered with a convex, durable, and transparent material, usually quartz, resin or glass. High-quality iridescent blue ammolite is sometimes used as an imitation of an even more valuable black opal. ### Magical Properties Ammolites, especially of the dragonskin variety, were once considered draconites— gemstones obtained from the head of a dragon, cut out while the conquered beast is still alive. They protect the wearer from most poisons and bestow invincible courage upon them. Carry ammolite to make yourself immune to fear, natural or magically-induced. As a marine shell utterly devoid of water, ammolite also aids in spells summoning or creating water, as well as calming the sea. The spiral nature of ammonites resonates with all spirits, deities, beasts, and monsters with curved horns, making them more amenable and even friendly. Ammolite helps in hunting horned animals, allowing the hunter to approach without raising any suspicious. Ammolite eases the progression through the spiral of life, lifting the burden of the passing of time, bringing longevity, peace of mind, and luck during rituals of passage. It enhances meditative states and divination, unlocking access to visions and astral quests, and protects travelers from getting lost. It is especially useful when venturing into a maze, helping to find a way through.