What does Howlite do?

Howlite forms in special circumstances where salt water evaporates and enters a restricted space known as an arid environment. These spaces include basins with small amounts of water. In these cases, the high amounts of calcium and borosilicate form Howlite. This crystal crystalizes in formations that look like cauliflower with some erratic grey faded lines. Other than the typical white color, it can also be found in some locations as colorless or brown.  Howlite is commonly dyed to imitate turquoise crystals as well as other colors.

Howlite is a borate mineral. This crystal is a 2.5 to 3.5 score on the Mohs scale which means that it’s particularly soft and can be scratched easily. The fracture point when the mineral is damaged is uneven and conchoidal.

Howlite was named in honor of the Canadian chemist and mineralogist Henry How. He was the first to discover this mineral back in 1868 and actually gave its first name known as Silico Boro Calcite.

What does White Howlite Look Like?

White howlite, also known as Magnesite, Is a chalky white stone that typically has streaks of gray or black throughout. Howlite is entirely opaque and resembles white marble or porcelain. Despite its soft and chalky feeling finish, howlite actually polishes up quite well and can be carved into tons of shapes.

Howlite can be found in formations of irregular nodules that some say resemble cauliflower heads. The stone is very porous and easily dyed with predictable color results. Because of how easy the stone is to dye, many unnatural colors of howlite are available, such as blue, green, and red, but natural howlite will always be white.  TONS of the ‘turquoise’ on the market these days is actually dyed howlite, so be aware!

Where does Howlite come from?

Howlite is a versatile and widely distributed mineral found across the world in numerous locations. It occurs in sedimentary and volcanic rocks, hydrothermal veins, and cavities. Germany's Harz Mountains are known for their mineral wealth, including howlite, while Turkey is a significant location where the mineral forms in massive nodules. Pakistan's Balochistan province is another source of howlite, especially in its nodular form.

In Namibia, howlite occurs in the Karibib and Usakos regions as nodules and masses, while Mexico's Baja California Sur state is known for its abundant massive howlite. In Canada, the mineral has been discovered in Ontario, and in the US, howlite can be found in several states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. Due to its widespread distribution, howlite is commonly found in crystal shops near you, making it a readily available crystal for those seeking its unique metaphysical properties.

Howlite Meaning

In addition to its beauty, Howlite is believed to possess a range of metaphysical properties. It is said to have a calming and soothing energy that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Howlite is also believed to aid in communication, both with others and with oneself. It is thought to promote healthy self-expression, encourage emotional healing, and improve memory.

Howlite is best known for slowing down the chatter of the mind and bringing serenity. That’s why it’s ideal for those who need some rest from the constant stream of thoughts and seek a more mindful life. It can also encourage you to return to the gentle flow of life. If you tend to burst in anger and need better management of everyday frustrations this may be the perfect stone for you! A Howlite palm stone is a great way to bring a little extra peace into your life. Additionally, it’s good for absorbing tension caused by external pressure and stressors. This stone connects to the Crown Chakra along with the Third Eye Chakra which will only propel you towards knowledge, inner wisdom and intuition.

Howlite is believed to bring open-mindedness, tenderness, and stillness, so it is referred to as the crystal of compassion. This crystal is often used in meditation and placed at the center of the home in feng shui. Incorporating the stone into your meditation and home provides balance and a level of higher consciousness.

How to Use The Howlite Crystal

Howlite can be used in many ways to bring harmony into your world. You can opt for the interesting looking gemstone bracelets or actually introduce the stone to your space. It can be beneficial for you to put it under your pillow if you have troubles with falling asleep or on shelves in any room that has more tension and negative energy. For a more calming effect it can also be combined with crystals such as Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate or Peridot. Another way to use these crystals is in meditation and other practices such as crystal gridding. They are also the perfect gift for friends especially if they’re a Gemini!

One popular way to use Howlite is by meditating with it. Many people find that holding a Howlite crystal in their hand during meditation can help them achieve a deeper sense of peace and relaxation. It is also common to place Howlite crystals under your pillow or on a bedside table to promote restful sleep.

If you're looking for Howlite crystal, there are many crystal shops near you that carry a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for a polished stone, a rough specimen, or a piece of jewelry, there's sure to be a Howlite crystal that's perfect for you.

More about White Howlite

This crystal is very soft and rates a 3-3.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The texture of this stone is soft, bumpy, smooth, and similar to sandstone.  Howlite is made of hydrous calcium borate. Hydrous means that it contains water, and borate is a naturally occurring salt.  A crystal that contains water, calcium, and salt may sound like it would be found in the kitchen, but this crystal is potentially toxic if ingested!

Howlite Localities: Canada. Germany, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, Mexico, and the USA

Chakra: Crown

Birthstone: Howlite is not a birthstone, but it is the zodiac crystal for Gemini.

Example of dyed howlite 'turquoise'.