Living Opal

Ammolite chip, Canada

Ammolite is a rare opal-like gem derived from fossilized Ammonites, found only in Western Canada.  No, I didn't find this on a Puget Sound beach: it was in my mother-in-law's estate.  She was a talented jewelery-maker, and had planned to make a necklace out of this remarkable stone.

I post it today just to show the stunning diversity of color and pattern to be found in the mineral kingdom.