Colorful Canadian ammonites come from the southern part of the province of Alberta. Ammonites are found all over the world in rock formations from 225 to 65 million years old. Although there are several locations, such as Russia and England, where ammonites can be found with some colour, only in southern Alberta, and to a lesser degree in South Dakota, can ammonites be found with vivid colours, which can take on all colours of the rainbow.

These Canadian ammonites are rare. The Canadian government considers them part of the National Treasure of Canada. For that reason, all ammonites must be registered with the government of the province. Each ammonite receives a number and, if the ammonite is exported, an export permit with the name and address of the buyer, before the ammonite is allowed to leave the country.

The color is created in the same way that color is created in opal gemstones. Light is deflected on the layers of aragonite that make up the shell. It is believed that the color is enhanced and intensified by traces of minerals. Iron, copper, and silica are present.

These colourful Canadian ammonites are treasured by collectors and are on display at most of the prominent museums in the world. Prices can range from less than $ 1,000 for a small ammonite with little color to as much as $ 38,000 for a very large ammonite with bright colors and very good shape. Prices are determined first by the quality and brightness of colour, then by size and finally by the shape of the ammonite.