![]() The K Zone produces ammonites with a predominantly red and green flash and the ammonites are called blazers. They are identified by their stratigraphic position relative to a distinctive double ash bed (bentonite), which is easy to spot in the otherwise uniform gray shale. ![]() The ammonites from the Bearpaw Shale Formation that are of economic significance occur in two distinct zones called the K Zone and Blue Zone (Zone 4). A unique combination of depositional environment, temperature, and pressure altered the shells of these ammonites in such a way that they now display a complete spectrum of rainbow colors that rival the best Australian opal. The most common are the Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare, with the genus Baculites the least common. These formations yield shells of three species of ammonites. These deep shale formations are exposed in eroding cliffs along the river banks. These ammonites are found in the Cretaceous marine Bearpaw Shale Formation in south-central Alberta, centered around the city of Lethbridge. The ammonites and shell fragments, which are called ammolite, are in my estimation the most spectacular specimen and lapidary material derived from fossil cephalopods in the world. ![]() The gem ammonites found along the Oldman and Saint Mary Rivers in southern Alberta Canada have been part of the cultural history of the native peoples of this area for thousands of years. The cliff face behind Wes in this picture is the area he rappelled earlier to get to the ammonite-bearing layers. A hard hat and goggles are an essential part of the equipment Wes EagleChild uses during his digs.
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