Howlite Beads is relatively soft stone that was named for Henry How of Nova Scotia, who first identified it in 1868. Howlite’s natural color is always white or grey. Often it shows grey or black streaks or vein- or web-like markings. The interesting thing about howlite is that what’s made it popular is not its own appearance but the fact that it absorbs dyes easily, and when it’s dyed turquoise blue, it makes an excellent and affordable substitute for turquoise. It can also be dyed to imitate coral and lapis lazuli. Though the stone is soft, it lends itself well for jewelry and carvings.
Howlite forms in cauliflower-like masses, known as nodules, which are found in continental evaporate deposits with other borates. It can also be form in tabular crystals and compact masses. A great deal of the howlite currently used in jewelry comes from California where it’s found in Los Angeles and San Bernadino counties, among others.

Howlite Beads Astrology: Gemini
Chakra: 7th (crown
Metaphysically, howlite is considered a calming stone, particularly useful in easing both heated conflicts and restless sleep. It’s said to counter selfishness, rudeness, and facetiousness, bringing strength and innocence and encouraging decency. It’s also a stone said to absorb negativity; some people keep a piece of howlite in their pocket for just that reason. Placed on the crown chakra, howlite is said to help open the third eye, accessing memories of other lifetimes and linking us with spiritual dimensions.

Although howlite Beads are soft—it can be scratched with a penny—it’s relatively tough. Still, if you use it in jewelry you might want to either use it in earrings or necklaces, or if you do string it as a bracelet, avoid wearing it every day and clean it carefully.
Howlite that has taken on the rich blue of turquoise is striking when strung with lapis lazuili, red coral, sodalite, carnelian, red jasper, black agate, amber, and/or zoisite.

Howlite Beads Color: white, grey
Chemical composition: Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5 calcium boro-silicate hydroxide
Mohs’ hardness: 3.5
Transparency: Opaque to translucent
Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous (porcelaneous) and earthy
Fracture: Brittle, conchoidal to uneven
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Cleavage: None
Specific gravity: 2.5--2.6
Streak: White
Pleochroism: None
Fluorescence: blue, yellowish white or off white under shortwave UV
Occurrence: New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, United States