There has been much confusion between Ammonite and Ammolite in the metaphysical world, often falling on the side of describing the Ammolite and not the Ammonite. Ammonite is not a gemstone, but rather a fossil. It’s name was inspired by the spiral shaped of the fossilized shells, being that of a tightly coiled ram’s horn. Pliny the Elder (circa 79 AD) referenced this name for the Egyptian God Ammon – who was typically depicted wearing rams horns. It must also not to be confused with a Nautilus, which has a similar shape but an entirely separate make up.

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals. The words ammonite and ammonoid are both used quite loosely in common parlance to refer to any member of subclass Ammonoidea. However, in stricter usage the term Ammonite is reserved for members of suborder Ammonitina (or sometimes even order Ammonitida).

Ammolite on the other hand, is an opalized version of the Ammonite; found primarily along the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains from the US and Canada. These are the fossilized shells of the Ammonite; the opalization is formed by minerals filling in the sedimentary rocks or veins in rocks; it has also been known to replace organic materials in fossils, wood and shells, even bone. The ‘opalilzed’ or iridescent Ammolites are comprised primarily of Aragonite, which is the same mineral that creates a nacreous Pearl. Ammolite was given the official gemstone status in 1981 by the World Jewelry Confederation. This iridescence would not have been visible during the animal’s life, it is simply the coating or replacing of the shell by the opal.

In the Middle Ages Ammolite was known as Draconites; due to their bright colors and what was then considered a bizarre appearance, they were thought be ‘stones’ stolen from a dragon’s head. More recently they have been called Snakestones as well as St. Hilda Stones.

What is considered an Organic Gem?

While many minerals are considered gemstones, there are also a number of materials that have been infused, infilled or partially replaced by organic materials; as well as natural organisms that have been mineralized then used and considered valuable ‘gems’ throughout all our time.

Organic materials considered gemstones include but are not limited to: Amber, Bone, Coral, Ivory, Pearls, Mother of Pearl, Abaone as well as meteorites such as Moldavite

Organic materials that have been mineralized to gemstones include: Dino Bone (Gem Bone, Gembone) Petrified Wood, Fossils such as Ammolilte and Ammonite; during the mineral infilling the organic structure is preserved therefore it remains an organic material, and thus an Organic Gem.

Both Ammonite and Ammolite was prized by the ancient Egyptian and Roman societies and likely many other cultures; as it was seen as a symbol of almost any deity that may have had any connection to curved horns. For this very reason they were considered sacred in Ethiopia; natives of the region adorned themselves with Ammonite and Ammolite as it was said to grant deep meditative states as well as assist in drawing prophetic dreams.

It is said that these “stones” radiate positive Earth Energy, bringing luck as well as prosperity in all things. A very spiritual stone, even a small portion of Ammonite or Ammolite may be used to assist one in finding the proper way down the coiled, spiral spiritual pathway to the center where the God & Goddess await one’s arrival.

A protective element, adding structure, stability and steadiness to one’s life as well as supplementing one survival instincts. Associated with water, Ammolite is known to deeply affect one emotionally. Mirroring feelings that one may have forgotten existed, whether they be healthy or unhealthy.

Encouraging feelings of self worth Ammolite will enhance ones practicality and reliability; it has been said to increase the positive energies of magic spells and spiritual prayers.

Ammolite is known to strengthen one’s will to live as well as appreciating life and living it to the fullest; being very beneficial to the human psyche. Feng Shui practitioners believe that Ammolite also has a positive effect on the flow of energy called ‘chi’, assisting one to cleanse and detoxify the body.

Believed to have absorbed cosmic energy from the universe, Ammolite is said to have beneficial effects on anyone near it. It is known as the Seven Color Prosperity Stone, as it is said to hold all seven colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet/purple) and is said to bring the bearer growth, wisdom and wealth.

Told to be helpful in childbirth for both the mother and child, Ammolite enhances stamina and vitality as well as stabilizing one’s pulse/blood pressure. Said to be helpful to lift depression and to regulate the metabolism.

Energy: Receptive
Element: Earth, Air, Water, Fire & Akasha
Planet: Jupiter
Deities: Ammon
Powers: Elemental Power, Longevity & Past Life Meditation
Candle Color: Green or Black

Due to the fact that Ammonite/Ammolites were once living beings, they are connected to Akasha, the fifth element. These are tangible proof that in nature nothing is wasted; it shows how only manifestations of energy may be transmutable, but energy itself cannot be destroyed.

Ammolite may be used for vivid prophetic vision and dreams as well as work or meditations relating to past lives and longevity.

Zodiac Stone of: Capricorn

Associations: Saturn

Birthstone: Not a birthstone for any month

To dream of any fossil may mean that one needs to stabilize and add structure to one’s life

The Ammolite has an incredible Chakra representation; beginning with the Ammonite shell is a series of chambers with the siphuncle tube (which regulated the balance of water and gas in each section) connecting each of the chambers, the chakra system is actually quite similar.

Spiritual energy flows through the subtle body along channels called ‘nadi’, there are three main nadi in the human body one in the spinal column and two that flow and wrap around it; the chakras are located where the nadis intersect. As well, with the snake symbolism of Ammonites, this also associates them with the Kundalini energy flow.

The chakra energy flows in a spiral, the Ammonite shell is in the form of a spiral. Ammolites carry the full seven color spectrum of the chakra system, associated with each of the first seven chakras.

With that said, modern chakra workers associate the Ammolite with the 1st, Base/Root chakra, and believe that is here where the work needs to begin.

Information Sources:
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, 2003
Love Is In The Earth by Melody, 1997
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD, 2000
Crystal Enchantments by D.J. Conway, 1999
Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones by Cally Hall, 1994
Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham, 2002
Chakra Healing & Karmic Awareness by Keith Sherwood, 2005
Jewelry & Gems for Self-Discovery by Shakti Carola Navran, 2008
The Illustrated Directory of Crystal Healing by Cassandra Eason, 2003
Gemstone Energy Medicine Healing Body, Mind and Spirit by Michael Katz, 2005
Healing Crystals and Gemstones by Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, Gisela Schrieber, 2002
Personal Experience and Personal Accounts of Others In the Metaphysical Field of Work

The information here is presented to you to use as you see fit, but is not to take the place of professional medical advice. Crystals, Gemstones and Metal can accent, help, negate, protect, encourage, strengthen, and balance and thereby promote healing. Their effects can be extraordinary, but use in addition to medical advice, and not as a substitute for proper care. If you are ill, we beseech you to seek professional medical attention from a qualified physician.