With its snowy white surface laced with delicate gray veining, howlite is a gemstone that carries a quiet elegance and a serene presence. Often mistaken for other stones due to its ability to be dyed in vivid colors, howlite in its natural form is a soft-spoken beauty—gentle in appearance yet powerful in energy. Known for its calming influence, it is a favorite among those seeking peace, patience, and mindfulness.
What Is Howlite?
Howlite is a borate mineral first discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1868 by Henry How, a Canadian chemist and mineralogist. Naturally white to gray with a porous surface, howlite is often polished into cabochons, beads, or tumbled stones. Its natural texture readily absorbs dye, which is why it is sometimes colored to resemble turquoise, lapis lazuli, or other vivid stones. On the Mohs hardness scale, howlite ranks around 3.5, making it relatively soft compared to many gemstones. This softness means it is primarily used for jewelry that won’t be subjected to heavy wear, as well as decorative carvings and meditation tools.
Historical and Cultural Background
Because howlite was discovered relatively recently compared to other gemstones, it does not have a long ancient history. However, its visual similarity to sacred blue-green stones has linked it to traditions involving turquoise and other spiritual minerals.
- Discovery: Named after Henry How, who first identified the stone while studying deposits in Canada.
- Use as a Substitute Stone: Historically, its ability to take on vibrant dyes made it an affordable alternative to rarer, more expensive stones like turquoise, leading to its use in costume jewelry.
- Modern Popularity: Today, howlite is prized not only for its affordability but for its soothing beauty and metaphysical associations.
Metaphysical Meanings and Energy
Howlite is known as a stone of calm awareness and is especially valued for its gentle, tranquil energy. It is associated with both the crown chakra and third eye chakra, linking it to spiritual insight, higher consciousness, and emotional balance. Key metaphysical properties of howlite include:
- Calm & Stress Relief: Helps to reduce anxiety, tension, and stress, promoting a sense of peace.
- Patience & Perspective: Encourages patience and helps manage anger or frustration, offering a clearer view of situations.
- Sleep Support: Believed to ease insomnia caused by overactive thoughts, making it a useful stone to keep near the bed.
- Communication & Understanding: Promotes thoughtful communication and empathetic listening.
- Spiritual Awareness: Assists in accessing higher wisdom during meditation or introspection.
Because of these properties, howlite is popular with those seeking to slow down in a fast-paced world, improve emotional balance, or enhance mindfulness practices.
Caring for Howlite
Due to its relative softness, howlite requires a gentle touch when it comes to maintenance. Care Tips:
- Cleaning: Use only lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or prolonged soaking.
- Storage: Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and chips.
- Avoid Prolonged Water Contact: Extended contact with water can damage dyed howlite or affect its polish.
- Mind the Setting: When set in jewelry, use protective mountings to reduce exposure to knocks and wear.
- Protect Dyed Pieces: Dyed howlite (especially in turquoise blue) should be kept away from harsh cleaning agents and prolonged sunlight to prevent fading.
Final Thoughts
Howlite may not have the ancient legends or high hardness of some gemstones, but its gentle presence and calming energy have earned it a devoted following. Whether you choose it in its natural white form for a minimalist look or enjoy its dyed variations for vibrant color, howlite serves as a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and approach life with patience and clarity. From bedside companions that help quiet the mind to meditation stones that open the door to higher wisdom, howlite’s gift lies in its ability to help us find stillness in a noisy world.