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HELENITE GEMSTONE
Helenite is a captivating man-made gemstone, known for its vibrant emerald-like color and impressive refractive index. It serves as an affordable alternative to emerald, chrome diopside, and peridot. Often referred to as “emerald obsidianite” or “Mount St. Helens obsidian,” this unique gemstone shares properties similar to obsidian, offering a perfect blend of beauty and value.
IMPORTANCE
Why Are Helenite So Special?
Helenite: can volcanoes really weep gems? – Blue Marble EarthHelenite's importance lies in its symbolic meaning, historical significance, and its function as an affordable alternative to other gemstones. It is a man-made gem created from the volcanic ash of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, symbolizing resilience and new beginnings.
This historical connection and its vibrant colors make it a popular and accessible choice for jewelry, while some believe it has therapeutic benefits related to emotional healing.
VALUE
Determining Helenite’s Value
The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what helenite is worth. These guidelines will help you choose helenite stones for your collection.
COLOR
Helenite is most commonly found in vibrant green shades, though it can also appear in blue and red. The green hue is due to traces of chromium in the material. When choosing helenite, color is key—stones with deep saturation and fewer inclusions are highly valued and demand a higher price.
CLARITY
Helenite occurs as transparent to translucent gems. This man-made gemstone sometimes develops bubble inclusions. But, due to its deeply saturated color, the gemstone appears eye-clean when viewed without magnification.Inclusions are accepted in this colorful gemstone. However, a large number of inclusions will decrease the value of helenite.
CUT
While helenite is comparatively a fragile gemstone, skilled lapidaries can shape it. Helenite is available in traditional ovals, rounds, cushions and marquise, but fancy shapes can also be found. The gemstone displays an exceptional visibility in concave cut.
CARAT WEIGHT
Helenite of 0.85-carat weight is readily available, making this a great choice for anyone wanting this green gemstone jewelry. The value of the gemstone increases with larger sizes. However, other factors such as color and clarity also play an important role in determining the price of the stone.
TREATMENT
Helenite Treatment
Helenite is a man-made gemstone, created by heating volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens to 2700 degrees Fahrenheit in a high-temperature furnace, followed by rapid cooling. This process results in a stable and permanent treatment that gives the gemstone its striking appearance. While the treatment is durable, it's important to avoid exposing the stone to sudden changes of extreme heat or cold, as this could potentially damage the gemstone's structure. Proper care ensures the longevity and beauty of this unique stone.
ORIGIN
Where Does Helenite Come From?
Helenite is a man-made gemstone made of volcanic glass that comprises of the ash from the volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens, in May of 1980.
Helenite was first created accidentally after the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Workers from the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company were attempting to salvage equipment damaged after the volcanic eruption, using acetylene torches. They discovered that the torch could melt the volcanic ash into a green glass.
After laboratory experiments it was determined that a transparent to translucent green glass could be reproduced by heating ash to 2700 degrees Fahrenheit in a high-temperature furnace followed by rapid cooling.
Storage
Caring for Helenite
Helenite ranks between 5.5 and 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it more susceptible to abrasion or scratches.
Ultrasonic cleaning and commercial chemical cleaners should be avoided for cleaning helenite gemstones. It should not be exposed to sudden changes of extreme heat or cold. When cleaning helenite, use lukewarm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush for gently scrubbing. Rinse with fresh, cool water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid exposure to cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals. Like pearls, make it the last thing you put on and the first thing you remove. Helenite should be stored separately from other types of gemstones or gemstone jewelry to protect them from accidental damage.
IDEAL CHOICE
Who Can Wear Helenite?
This colorful gemstone is a perfect choice for those looking for freshness, hope, and harmony. An ideal gemstone for complementing summer and winter fashion, lovers of green will want to add this gemstone to their collection. With intense green hues, helenite gems and jewelry pair with any outfit, day or night. They match seamlessly with most metal tones but looks brilliant when paired with gold or silver hues. It can be worn in many forms such as earrings, pendants, necklaces, brooches, and pins. However, a helenite ring should be limited to occasional wear with protective-style settings as the stone can easily get scratched.
Difference
How Does Helenite Compare To Other Stones?
Helenite is sometimes compared to emerald in color, and it’s easy to see why. However, emerald favors bluish tinges in their green coloration, making it appear serene and regal, whereas the helenite favors deep green tones, making the gem appear more intense.
Helenite is sometimes compared to emerald in color, and it’s easy to see why. However, emerald favors bluish tinges in their green coloration, making it appear serene and regal, whereas the helenite favors deep green tones, making the gem appear more intense.
Facts
Helenite Facts
- Helenite ranks between 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Helenite is available in a variety of colors like green, red and blue.
- Helenite is sourced from Washington, USA.
- Helenite is a man-made glass.
- Helenite is also known as Mount St. Helens obsidian, emerald obsidianite and ruby obsidianite.
FORMATION
How is Helenite Mined?
Helenite is a man-made gemstone made of volcanic glass that comprises of the ash from the volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens, in May of 1980.
Helenite was first created accidentally after the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Workers from the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company were attempting to salvage equipment damaged after the volcanic eruption, using acetylene torches. They discovered that the torch could melt the volcanic ash into a green glass.
After laboratory experiments it was determined that a transparent to translucent green glass could be reproduced by heating ash to 2700 degrees Fahrenheit in a high-temperature furnace followed by rapid cooling.