Gemstones are often produced naturally and quickly too when a volcano erupts. This is due to the rapid heat and pressure. At Mount St. Helens, which blew its top in 1980 and went off again in 1982, a magnificent array of gemstones was produced! The Mount St. Helens Gift shop website openly states: Volcanoes are an incubator for many of the World's treasures. Other gems commonly associated with volcanic origins include Emerald, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, and Topaz.
- Ken Ham