Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5  

Chemical Composition: Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5 

Appearance: Howlite usually is white with gray to black streaks, web-like markings and blotches, and has luster of dull to sub-vitreous (porcelaneous) and earthy. Crystals of Howlite are opaque to translucent.

Occurrence: Canada , U.S.A.

Fact, Legend, Healing Properties: Howlite, which is named for its discoverer Henry How (a Nova Scotia geologist), is one of those minerals that is more famous for imitating another mineral. In this case the other mineral is turquoise, a phosphate gemstone. Although howlite is always white or gray, it can accept dyes fairly easily and be dyed a turquoise blue. The look of turquoise is so good that dishonest dealers have been unfortunately successful at this hoax. In more honest circumstances, dyed howlite is an affordable substitute for turquoise carvings, beads, polished stones and cabochons. It accepts a nice polish and its porcelaneous luster is attractive and enhances even undyed beads and carvings. Unfortunately it has low hardness, but it still has a distinct toughness. California is the source for almost all of the howlite trade where nodules of up to one hundred pounds have been found.

Howlite is thought of as a super-calming stone and many people use it to relieve stress of all kinds. It makes an excellent antidote to insomnia due to an overactive mind. Some of Chinese religions said that focusing on a piece of howlite can assist in journeying outside the body and gaining insight from past lives.