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Lot 2002

Fine Ammolite Cabochon--"Dragon's Balls"

7 December 2021, 10:00 PST
Los Angeles

US$800 - US$1,200

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Fine Ammolite Cabochon--"Dragon's Balls"

Bear Paw Formation, Alberta, Canada
Iridescent ammonites are found along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, in a locality famous for its brilliantly colored fossil ammonites. Formerly confused with opals, ammolite is actually composed of aragonite and not silica. Known as the Canadian national gem, ammolite, it is one of only three biogenic gemstones known to exist (the other two being amber and natural pearls.) Ammolite is hand cut using the same techniques as opal cutting. The present example is a fine free-form cabochon of triangular form with a graduation of color ranging from orange on one side, to green and blue. A notable attribute is a "tubercle" protrusion, which is known in the fossil trade as "dragon's balls". Finished with a high-gloss polish. Weighing approximately 44.12 carats and measuring 44.88 x 23.61 x 5.45mm

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