Howlite

Creativity - Tabula rasa - patience - innocence

Howlite is said to combine logical thinking with observation and patience. It is a stone for success and for daring to follow our ambitions all the way. It does not let us stay in doubt but supports the expression of our energy. Howlite processes a selfish, negative and critical attitude to release innocence and strength.

Properties of the mineral

Howlite is a borate mineral composed primarily of calcium and boron, first discovered in Canada in the 1860s by geologist Henry How, who gave the mineral its name. It is easily recognized by its white to grayish-white color with dark veins reminiscent of fine marble. The surface is usually dull to slightly shiny and the mineral is relatively soft with a hardness of around 3.5 on the Mohs scale. The porous structure means that howlite easily absorbs dye, which is why it is often dyed turquoise blue to mimic real turquoise. This has made it very common in jewelry, where colored howlite serves as an affordable alternative. It can also be confused with magnesite, which has a similar appearance.

Howlite is found primarily in Canada, the United States – especially California – and Mexico, where it is usually formed in deposits that have formed when mineral-rich fluids have dried. It is often used in jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and cabochons, as well as decorative stones and tumbled crystals. Due to its softness, it is less suitable for rings but is perfect for beads and various types of crafts.

Spiritual qualities

In crystal traditions, howlite is attributed with a number of spiritual properties. It is associated with calm, mental clarity and the ability to suppress strong emotions. Howlite is said to help combine logical thinking with patience and to provide support when you want to follow your goals more focused. It is also described as a stone that can process selfish or critical thought patterns and help create a softer and more balanced state of mind. Many people use it to reduce stress, as a pocket stone for anxiety or in bedrooms to create a more peaceful atmosphere. In some traditions, howlite is also linked to the crown chakra and throat chakra, as well as to zodiac signs such as Gemini.

Overall, howlite is a beautiful, easily worked and popular stone, appreciated for both its aesthetic expression and its symbolic properties in spiritual and meditative practice. It is affordable, readily available and a popular element in both jewelry making and crystal collections.