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Home > Howlite > 6 Ways to Tell if howlite is Real

6 Ways to Tell if howlite is Real

Natural howlite is typically white with dark gray or black vein-like matrix. Its porous nature makes it suitable for dyeing, and all colored howlite on the market undergoes this process. Materials like reconstituted howlite, plastic, and Magnesite are sometimes mistakenly sold as natural howlite. It's advisable to buy from reputable retailers and, if possible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory for authentication. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of howlite.

1. Check Product Name

When buying Howlite, be wary of terms like "Reconstitution" or "Reconstituted" in the product name. These indicate that the item is not natural Howlite, but rather man-made products. Reconstituted howlite is typically produced by grinding low-grade Howlite into powder and then binding it with epoxy.

2. Check the Color

Real: Natural Howlite is typically white with dark gray or black vein-like matrix.
Fake: All colored Howlites on the market are not natural; they may be dyed Howlite, dyed magnesite, reconstituted howlite, or even simply plastic.

3. Check the Pattern

Real: Real Howlite is typically white with dark gray or black vein-like patterns. Fully white specimens are quite rare.
Fake: Imitations of Howlite made from plastic and reconstituted howlite typically have a uniform color throughout, lacking the typical dark gray or black vein-like patterns. Sometimes, false vein-like patterns in black or brown are created, which often have consistent thickness, appearing unnatural and stiff.

4. Weigh in the hand

The density of plastic is much lower than that of Howlite. When held in the hand, plastic will feel noticeably light and airy in comparison.

5. UV Black Light (365nm) Test

Real: When illuminated with UV black light in a dark environment, real Howlite typically exhibits no fluorescence or emits an orange fluorescence.
Fake: When illuminated with UV black light in a dark environment, magnesite usually shows no fluorescence or emits a bluish or greenish fluorescence.

6. Acid Test

Real: After scraping or breaking the spare sample into fine powder, real Howlite powder dissolves quickly without foaming when a drop of 5% diluted hydrochloric acid is applied.
Fake: Following the same procedure of scraping or breaking the spare sample into fine powder, magnesite powder shows an effervescent reaction with tiny bubbles when exposed to 5% diluted hydrochloric acid.
Howlite
Howlite
A species of Minerals, also known as Khaulite, Winkworthite
Scientific name: Howlite
RockType: Minerals
Description
Description
Howlite is a colorless borate mineral whose irregular nodules are said to visually resemble cauliflower. First found in Nova Scotia, crystals remain uncommon worldwide and rarely exceed a centimeter in size. Because it is porous, some specimens are dyed and sold as turquoise, which it otherwise may superficially resemble.
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