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Ammonite
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Ammonites are the fossilized remains of extinct cephalopods. Their appearance has inspired intrigue and myth in every culture that encountered them.
The early Europeans believed that the ammonite was a snake that had been decapitated and turned to stone, earning the moniker “snake stone”. Since the serpent was a symbol of the devil in medieval Europe was often attributed to the actions of a saint or pious person. Because of this, ammonites were believed to possess a bit of the saint’s powers and were carried as amulets to ward off misfortune and protect from venomous creatures. Serpent heads were sometimes carved into the tip of the shell to reinforce the correlation to the mythology and make them more marketable.
In Hinduism there is a specific type of ammonite sacred to Vishnu called a shaligrama shila that is a devotional item.
There are two types of ammonites that are of particular interest in jewelry. Pyritized ammonites have been replaced with iron pyrite and take a beautiful polish. The Greeks believed these would provide victory in battle, give prophetic dreams, and grant wishes.
The other is a gem quality iridescent ammonite called an ammolite.
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Colors
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Various
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Locations
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Worldwide
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Compisition
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Depends on mineral replacement
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Hardness
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3-5, Depends on mineral replacement
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