Is helenite a real gemstone?
Helenite, also known as Mount St. Helens obsidian, emerald obsidianite, and ruby obsidianite, is an artificial glass made from the fused volcanic rock dust from Mount St. Helens and marketed as a gemstone.
How hard is helenite?
Usually appearing similar in color to a bright green emerald, Helenite is not quite as hard as the natural gemstone it is often compared to. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, emerald is more durable than Helenite, which measures only 5 to 5.5 in hardness.
What colors does helenite come in?
The stone has been marketed by the jewelry industry because of its emerald-like color, good refractive index, and durability. It is seen as an inexpensive alternative to naturally occurring green gemstones like emerald and peridot. Helenite can also come in various red, green and blue varieties.
What is Helenite used for?
Helenite is used in many types of jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches. Depending upon the color, it can be an attractive stone. It has a hardness of just 5 to 5 ½ and chips about as easily as obsidian or window glass.
Where is Helenite found?
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.
Can you make glass from volcanic ash?
In addition to the ways man has figured out how to make glass, glass forms naturally—for example, from volcanic activity, meteorite impacts, and lightning strikes. All of these events can produce not just glass, but small glass spheres, or spherules.
How is Gaia Stone made?
Gaia Stone is green obsidian from volcanish ash of the eruption of Mt. St. Helen’s, and carries strong Earth energy, even the “soul of the Earth.” Gaia Stone enhances Goddess connection, connection with Earth and Earth devas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lFNc76ZM7E