HOWLITE
Specifications
Mineral Class: Borate
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Subvitreous
Diaphaneity: Translucent
Colors: White, Gray, Black
Symbolizes: Calmness
Source: Canada and USA
Howlite was first discovered in Nova Scotia in 1868 by Henry How, a Canadian chemist, geologist, and mineralogist. Howlite was originally mined in a gypsum quarry. It is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide and a member of the Borate family. It is most commonly seen as irregular nodules, somewhat resembling cauliflower. Found only in a few localities, today’s main mines are in the United States. The most prominent mines are in California and Nevada.
Howlite occurs as white with grey or black veins in a web like pattern and has a white marble like appearance. Howlite is a porous stone that can absorb dye well. It is often seen dyed in colors such as blue, red, and pink. Beware, dyed Howlite can occasionally be sold as Turquoise or other more expensive stones. Howlite is most commonly made into jewelry, but can also be shaped into items such as spheres, hearts, towers, tumbled stones, and more.
