helenite

Emerald obsidianite set in an earring

Helenite, also known as Mount St. Helens obsidian, emerald obsidianite, and ruby obsidianite, is a synthetic gemstone made from the fused volcanic rock dust from Mount St. Helens, an American volcano located in the state of Washington. Helenite was made from the fusing of rock emitted from Mt. St. Helens during the catastrophic May 1980 eruption. In spite of its nicknames, helenite is not a true obsidian.

Helenite comes in various red and green varieties and is a popular substitute gemstone for emerald and ruby, although it has become popular in recent years in its own right with jewelry aficionados and gem collectors.

External link

• All About Jewels: Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry

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