Helenite Gem Guide and Properties Chart

Also known as Mount St. Helens stone, helenite is a man-made stone that originates from the ashes of the Washington State Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980. While the volcanic ash was being removed, it was discovered that it contained glass particles that turned a beautiful green color when heated. This glass is commonly made and fashioned into jewels that may be green, red or blue.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Helenite

Species

Glass

Transparency

Transparent - Translucent

Refractive Index

1.490
Tolerance:(+0.020/-0.010)

Optic Character

Optic Sign

Polariscope Reaction

Singly Refractive (SR) With ADR

Pleochroism

None

Hardness

5-5.5

Specific Gravity

2.320-2.400 Typical:2.360

Toughness

Varies

Inclusions

Helenite might have air bubbles.

Luster

Vitreous

Fracture

Conchoidal

Cleavage

None

Chemical Name

silica

Crystal System

Helenite Colors

Red
Green
Blue

Alternate Names

Mount St. Helens Obsidian, Emerald Obsidianite(TM) And Ruby Obsidianite(TM)

Countries of Origin

United States of America (the); Unknown

Care

Normal Care