Howlite
A species of Minerals, Also known as Khaulite, Winkworthite Scientific name : Howlite RockType : Minerals
Howlite, A species of Minerals
Also known as:
Khaulite, Winkworthite
Scientific name: Howlite
RockType: Minerals
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.
Physical Properties
Colors
White, colorless, brown
Luster
DullSubVitreous
Diaphaneity
Opaque
Refractive Index
1.583-1.608
Birefringence
0.019
Pleochroism
None
Optical Character
Biaxial negative
Chemical Properties
Chemical Classification
Borates
Formula
Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5
Elements listed
B, Ca, H, O, Si
Common Impurities
Na, K
General Info
Price
Weight is a decisive factor affecting the price of howlite. The price of a tumbled stone around 2.5 cm across is usually $1-$5/piece.
Healing Properties
Howlite has a positive energy flow that provides believers a soothing sense of calm and tranquility. It is said to help alleviate stress, excessive worry, and strife, so it may occasionally help with sleep problems. It encourages patience, improves focus and concentration, and when used on the Third Eye and Crown chakras during meditation, can help those interested in recalling past lives.
How to Select
Howlite, a porous gemstone often modified to mimic other stones such as turquoise, is assessed based on several factors:
1.Quality: howlite that closely resembles the gemstone it's imitating (e.g., turquoise or lapis lazuli) in consistent, vibrant color tends to be more desirable.
2.Color Stability: High-quality howlite should have a color that does not fade, bleed, or change over time. Color stability is a significant factor in its desirability.
3.Pattern and Texture: Natural Howlite has a marbled appearance with grey, black, or brown veining. After dyeing, these veins can create an appealing contrast, enhancing the stone's visual appeal.
4.Cut and Polish: A well-cut and polished howlite that accentuates the stone's design and color can increase its attractiveness.
5.Size and Shape: A larger piece of high-quality howlite is rarer, thus more desirable. The shape can also influence value, depending on current jewelry design trends or personal preferences.
Usage
Howlite is used for making decorative items: beads, small carvings, and other jewelry components. Because it is porous, this stone can be artificially dyed, which produced a market of fake minerals based on howlite dyeing. That is especially true in the case of turquoise. Honest traders that do not seek to deceive customers sell faux howlite-based turquoise under the name "turquenite."
How to identify it?
AI rock expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
