Helenite
Glass
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
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
Common Name
Helenite
Species
Glass
Transparency
Transparent - Translucent
Refractive Index
1.490
Tolerance:(+0.020/-0.010)
Tolerance:(+0.020/-0.010)
Optic Character
NA
Optic Sign
NA
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
NA
Helenite Colors
-
Blue -
Green -
Red
Alternate Names
Mount St. Helens Obsidian, Emerald Obsidianite(TM) And Ruby Obsidianite(TM)
Countries of Origin
Unknown; United States of America
Care
Normal Care