Howlite
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Chalky white and threaded with gray-to-black veins that resemble a spider web, howlite is a borate mineral with a subdued, sub-vitreous to earthy luster. It was first described from Nova Scotia in 1868 by Henry How and occurs in evaporite deposits across California, Canada, Mexico, and Turkey. Crystallizing in the monoclinic system, it is soft at 3.0 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale and notably porous, a quality that allows it to absorb dye readily. That porosity has made this budget-tier semi-precious stone one of the most common gem imitations on the market, frequently colored blue to mimic turquoise.
Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
3.0 – 3.5
Specific Gravity
2.45 – 2.58
Refractive Index
1.583 – 1.608
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Luster
Vitreous,Dull (Earthy)
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Uneven
Color
various
Birefringence
0.019
Pleochroism
Nil
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 3.0 – 3.5
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Howlite
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
3 to 3.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
2.45 to 2.58Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
NoneArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
1.583 to 1.608Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Biaxial/-Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
0.019Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
NilArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
NilArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Natural color: white, commonly with gray to black "spiderweb" matrix.Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Dyed howlite: pink to redHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Blue, dyes exclusivelyW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Vitreous,Dull (Earthy)Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) sub-vitreous
Occasionally orangeUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Brownish-yellowUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
MonoclinicHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
TabularMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Howlite is found in borate deposits.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Howlite information at mindat.org
About Howlite
Howlite is a borate silicate mineral occurring in compact, chalky white masses with characteristic gray to black veining that resembles a spider web or turquoise matrix, with a sub-vitreous to earthy luster. It was first described from Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1868 by Henry How, and is found in evaporite deposits in California, Canada, Mexico, and Turkey. Due to its porosity, howlite readily absorbs dye and is frequently colored blue to simulate turquoise, making it one of the most common gem imitations on the market.
Compare With
Jewelry Use
Durability
2/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howlite?
Howlite is a borate silicate mineral occurring in compact, chalky white masses with characteristic gray to black veining that resembles a spider web or turquoise matrix, with a sub-vitreous to earthy luster. It was first described from Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1868 by Henry How, and is found in evapo
What is the hardness of Howlite?
Howlite has a Mohs hardness of 3.0 to 3.5, making it relatively soft for use in jewelry.
What color is Howlite?
Howlite is primarily Various.
How much does Howlite cost?
Howlite falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Howlite?
Howlite belongs to the Monoclinic crystal system.