Photo of Howlite in Processed & Rough Form
Howlite is a mineral with a hardness of 4 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness [?]. These Monoclinicly structured gems are made of hydrated calcium borosilicate, their full chemical compound being C2B5SiO9(OH)5.
Howlite an opaque, massive mineral used for ornamental and utilitarian articles. is a rarity for collectors
It has a monoclinic tabular crystal system with a subvitreous luster. The most common occurrence is in the form of a cauliflower.
Howlite is found in borate deposits, with most ornamental pieces found from various sites in California (USA) and Mexico.
It occurs as opaque white, and may be porcellanous. but also transparent, snow white, sometimes with black or brown veins, rarely colorless. It can be easily dyed as it is very porous.
When colored with blue dye, howlite is used to imitate turquoise and lapis lazuli. This can be easily detected by a deep orange or brownish-yellow fluorescence once the dye has been removed. Names include "imitation turquoise," "synthetic turquoise,"
What is Howlite?
Howlite is a naturally white or grey calcium borosilicate mineral, typically with black or brown veining. Named after mineralogist Henry How who discovered it in Nova Scotia in 1868.
Why is it often dyed?
Due to its porosity and white color, howlite is frequently dyed to imitate more expensive stones, particularly turquoise. It's also commonly dyed blue, green, or pink. Always verify if you're buying natural or dyed howlite.
How can I identify real Howlite?
Natural howlite is white to grey with dark veining, has a hardness of 3.5, and can be scratched with a pin. If it's bright blue, it's likely dyed. Look for chalk-like appearance and web-like veining pattern.
Where is it found?
Major deposits are in California, USA, and Nova Scotia, Canada. Also found in Germany, Mexico, and Turkey. Most commercial material comes from California.
How do I tell if my "Turquoise" is actually Howlite?
Howlite is softer than turquoise, lighter in weight, and often shows more uniform veining patterns. A drop of acetone on an inconspicuous spot might reveal dye. Professional testing is recommended.
How should I care for Howlite?
Being relatively soft (3.5 on Mohs scale), protect from scratches. Dyed howlite can fade with prolonged sun exposure. Clean with soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals which can remove dye if treated.
The specific gravity [?] for Howlite is 2.58, its refractive index [?] is 1.58-1.59, and its double refraction [?] is 0.022.
History
Howlite was discovered by gypsum miners near Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1868, who then called the attention of Canadian geologist and mineralogist Henry How.
Industrial Usages
Howlite is used as material for small carvings or jewellery parts. Because of its porous texture, howlite can be easily dyed to imitate other minerals, especially turquoise, because of the similarity of the veining patterns. The dyed howlite is marketed as turquenite.
You May Also Like...
Achroite Tourmaline: Colorless Tourmaline, also known as white or Achroite Tourmaline is the name given to the clear or colorless version of Tourmaline. The word achroite is Greek for colorless. If you are into birthstones then Achroite Tourmaline is one of the ones used for October. If you follow the zodiac then it's used to represent Libra. Tourmaline in general is found on every continent and is possibly the (read full)
Albite: Albite is a member of the feldspar species as is predominantly a white or whitish mineral. A fine Albite gem will be colorless (mostly), or colored similar to moonstone. Some of the better specimens have been found in upper North America including the United States and Canada In 1815 Albite was given the Latin name albus which literally means white. Albite astrological sign is that of A (read full)
Beryllonite: Beryllonite is a clear gem/mineral that gets its name from its high content of beryllium. There are very few gem quality pieces that have been produced. Beryllonite can be found in Pakistan, Brazil, Finland, and Maine. It has a color streak of white, and a vitreous luster. (read full)
Hambergite: Hambergite is a beryllium borate mineral in the classification of Nitrates, Carbonates, and Borates and is an extremely rare gemstone. It occurs as transparent colourless orthorhombic prismatic crystals which are usually well crystallized, sometimes twinned. Its colors range to white, white grayish, and yellowish white. Crystals are striated along the prisms. It is very hard and has one directi (read full)
Milky Quartz: Milky Quartz is a milky white translucent to opaque variety of crystalline quartz of somewhat greasy luster. It is the commonest variety found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. The color is generally caused by numerous bubbles of gas and liquid in the crystal. The milky color is caused by small cavities filled with numerous small fluids and CO2 in liquid condition. It is used as a gemstone, a (read full)
