LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Alberta rich in ammonite deposits

Your recent article on Alberta ammonite (T.N.M., Sept. 14/92) was most interesting, but poorly researched and factually incorrect. With our involvement in the spring of 1986, there slowly emerged an ammonite shell regulation, a joint effort between Alberta Energy and Alberta Culture. Previously, it was controlled by Albert Culture, whose regulations made it illegal to collect or sell fossils in Alberta. Only a ministerial order for scientific excavations was permitted, but stretched to the limit for certain individuals. Korite Minerals, a near-monopoly, was created (Historic Resources Act, 1978).

Our staking near Lethbridge, Alta., for gemstone ammonite eventually led to the creation of the new Ammonite Shell Regulation (Mines and Minerals Act, 1989).

This regulation has two basic criteria, one for the small producer (hobbyist, rockhound type) and one for the major producer, mining, usually open pit. I have permit 00001 for my dogged determination to create a “fair and equitable” system for collecting fossil ammonites and ammonite gems in Alberta, hence my familiarity with the rules.

As for the best claims in the province being staked, that is an outright crock.

With understanding of surficial geology, pre-glacial runoff channels and lakes and especially pre-glacial topography, a serious prospector can locate huge deposits of gemstone ammonite, far from the confines of the river basins. We have discovered three huge deposits in Alberta, one in Saskatchewan and are researching Montana’s potential. The truth is, there’s more ammonite than trees in Alberta.

David Sprague

Gemstone & Fossil Wholesalers

Raymond, Alta.