Howlite vs Turquoise
Both gemstones frequently compared on price and value, Howlite and Turquoise are frequently compared by gemstone enthusiasts. Howlite scores 3.0 on the Mohs hardness scale while Turquoise scores 5.0. Price-wise, Howlite is budget-friendly and Turquoise is budget-friendly.
| Property | Howlite | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Semi-Precious Gems | Semi-Precious Gems |
| Primary Color | various | blue |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.0–3.5 | 5.0–6.0 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.45 | 2.3 |
| Refractive Index | 1.583 | 1.61 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic | Triclinic |
| Luster | Vitreous,Dull (Earthy) | Waxy,Dull (Earthy) |
| Chemical Formula | — | — |
| Price Tier | Budget (< $50/ct) | Budget (< $50/ct) |
| Daily Wear | ไม่ใช่ | ไม่ใช่ |
Key Differences
- ◆ {'gem_a': '3.0', 'gem_b': '5.0', 'property': 'Hardness (Mohs)'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Monoclinic', 'gem_b': 'Triclinic', 'property': 'Crystal System'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '2.45', 'gem_b': '2.3', 'property': 'Specific Gravity'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '1.583', 'gem_b': '1.61', 'property': 'Refractive Index'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Vitreous,Dull (Earthy)', 'gem_b': 'Waxy,Dull (Earthy)', 'property': 'Luster'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'budget', 'gem_b': 'budget', 'property': 'Price Range'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'No', 'gem_b': 'No', 'property': 'Daily Wear'}
When to choose Howlite
Choose Howlite when you want its unique color and character. It's ideal for collector specimens and carefully worn jewelry.
When to choose Turquoise
Choose Turquoise when you want superior hardness and scratch resistance, and higher brilliance and light performance. It's ideal for collector specimens and carefully worn jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Howlite or Turquoise?
Turquoise is harder at 5.0-6.0 on the Mohs scale, compared to Howlite at 3.0-3.5. This makes Turquoise more resistant to scratching. Turquoise requires more careful handling and is not ideal for daily wear, while howlite requires more careful handling and is not ideal for daily wear.
Is Howlite more expensive than Turquoise?
Howlite and Turquoise are in a similar price range, both classified as budget-friendly (under $50/ct). Howlite typically ranges budget-friendly (under $50/ct), while Turquoise ranges budget-friendly (under $50/ct).
Should I choose Howlite or Turquoise for an engagement ring?
Neither Howlite nor Turquoise is ideal for an engagement ring worn daily. Turquoise (5.0-6.0 Mohs) is the more durable of the two, while Howlite (3.0-3.5 Mohs) is softer. If you choose either, consider a protective setting like a bezel.
How can I tell Howlite and Turquoise apart?
There are several visual cues: Howlite typically appears various while Turquoise is blue; Howlite has a vitreous,dull (earthy) luster compared to Turquoise's waxy,dull (earthy) luster; they have different crystal systems — Howlite is Monoclinic and Turquoise is Triclinic. A gemologist can confirm identification using refractive index testing.
Is Howlite worth the price difference over Turquoise?
Howlite and Turquoise are in a similar price range, both budget-friendly (under $50/ct). Howlite ranges budget-friendly (under $50/ct) and Turquoise ranges budget-friendly (under $50/ct). The choice comes down to personal preference in color, brilliance, and symbolism.