Helenite Glass Ball
Helenite Glass Ball
4.94 / 5.0
(48) 48 total reviews
Verified Authentic
Item #085
This green marble is a glass called helenite, created by heating ash from the eruption of Mount St. Helens. Helenite was first discovered after the volcano’s massive eruption in 1980. Workers in the cleanup effort noticed that their torches gave the ash a greenish hue as it was heated.
Since it is volcanic glass, helenite can be considered a type of obsidian, except helenite has not been known to occur naturally.
Interestingly, every volcano, and in some cases each eruption, creates ash with a unique chemical “fingerprint”. The composition of helenite includes silica, aluminum, iron and trace amounts of chromium and copper in specific proportions unlikely to be produced by any other volcano.
This unique chemistry makes the color of helenite unique, and it is often used by the jewelry and gem industries as it provides an interesting alternative to emerald and peridot.
Approx. 0.75" diameter
Please note: each marble is unique and contains minor imperfections. Surfaces are not completely smooth.
- Acrylic Display
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It's strange to hold a marble of peacefull aqua-green glass; realizing that it was belched forth in an eruption so powerful that it borked a mountain in half. I have a small vial of Mt St Helen's dust; and this artificial obsidian crafted from the same source makes a beautiful contrast.
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It's fine, Etsy won't let me get rid of the notification until I review this item...arrived as expected.
My husband loves it! Thank you.
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