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The Creation of Helenite
When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, the volcano lost its top 400 meters (1,300 feet) of earth and created a cloud of ash and debris that spanned over 18 kilometers (60,000 feet) into the atmosphere, according to the official gift shop at Mount St. Helens. The destruction was substantial, and as workers from a regional timber company used torches in efforts to salvage damaged equipment, they discovered that the volcanic ash melted into a green glassy substance. This discovery led to the process of creating helenite in a laboratory setting.
Chemical Composition
Helenite hails from volcanic rock that is rich in aluminum, iron and silica, with traces of chromium and copper. Color variations of helenite are obtained by adding trace elements of additional minerals; red helenite is created with gold, while blue helenite is made using cobalt or aquamarine silica chip. Natural color variations are also evident in ash from eruptions subsequent to the original 1980 blast.
Properties of Helenite
Helenite is now available in a number of colors, including greens that range from deep emerald to aqua, red, pink, blue and light purple. The glass falls into the gem species silicate, has a hardness of 5 and a density of 2.4. High-pressure fusion gives helenite its brilliant sparkle.
Uses of Helenite
Helenite is used in lieu of gemstones in jewelry. Though the glass is created only from Mount St. Helens ash, it is sold worldwide by independent jewelers, artisans and distributors.