Howlite Gemstone - Meaning and Metaphysical Properties

Howlite is mostly seen as a white to grey colored gemstone with grey, brown or black veins. This stone is scientifically called a calcium borosilicate hydroxide. The gem is named after the mineralogist Mr. Henry How of Nova Scotia who discovered Howlite in 1868. Howlite is a soft stone with a low hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale with a monoclinic crystal structure and takes dye easily. So it is used to imitate the more expensive stones like Turquoise , Lapis Lazuli or Red Coral. It is in fact more popular as an imitation stone for Turquoise (because of the similarity in pattern) than in its natural form because of its porous texture which absorbs dyes easily. This stone is sometimes referred to as 'White Buffalo Stone'. It is also sold in its natural form using misleading trade names like ‘White Turquoise’ or ‘White Buffalo turquoise’. Dyed Howlite is marketed as Turquenite, Blue Howlite or Turquoise Howlite which are often sold by deceptive sellers at a higher price instead of the original stones. This gemstone is commonly used to make decorative objects such as small carvings or jewelry components. Howlite is associated with the Zodiac Sign of Gemini and Crown Chakra.

California is the world's primary source of Howlite. It is also found in Canada, Germany and Turkey.

Howlite is an extremely calming stone and can be used to relieve anger and stress of all kinds. Those who are short tempered or get angry fast can keep a White Howlite stone in the pocket to stay calm. One may also carry howlite tumble stones in a pouch to work place or wear as jewelry to get rid of stress and tensions and stay calm. Howlite is known to help in controlling negative emotions and replace it with positive qualities. This gemstone is known to stimulate imagination and encourage emotional expression. It makes an excellent antidote to insomnia due to an overactive mind. It can be placed under the pillow for a peaceful sleep. It also helps balance calcium levels in the body, aiding absorption and distribution. It aids teeth, bones and soft tissue. Howlites in its original form are used for meditation purpose. It is an excellent stone for meditation and for reaching higher spiritual consciousness. It helps one with reasoning, patience, observation and memory. Howlite is also said to help gain insight into past lives. If placed on the third eye, it opens memories of previous times and lifetimes. This stone is also helpful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, osteoporosis etc.

Since Howlite is a soft stone it has to be handled with great care as it can get damaged easily. Keep this gemstone away from heat, chemicals and rough handling.This stone is known to dissolve in a hydrochloric acid solution.