“Howlite”
Pronunciation: how-lyte
General use: Alleviating insomnia caused by racing thoughts, reducing anger and irritability, teaching patience, and facilitating calm, reasoned communication.
Location: Originally discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada; however, the primary commercial deposits now exist in the United States (California and Nevada) and Mexico.
Time Period: Discovered in 1868 by the Canadian mineralogist Henry How, making it a relatively modern addition to the mineralogical record.
Quick Facts
| Varieties | Natural White Howlite, Dyed “Turquenite” (Blue), Dyed Red Howlite |
| Chakra Alignment | Crown Chakra and Third Eye Chakra |
| Affirmation | I release all tension and racing thoughts to embrace a state of profound peace. |
| Vibration Number | Number 2 |
| Element | Air |
| Planet | Moon |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini and Virgo |
| Birthstone | None (Modern) |
| Metaphysical Realm | Mental and Spiritual |
| Benefits | Insomnia Relief, Patience, Anger Reduction, Memory, Focus, Calm |
| Cleansing | Smudging, Selenite, or Moonlight. Use water sparingly as it is porous. |
| Mineral Class | Borate |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic (usually massive) |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 |
| Primary Color | White to Light Gray with dark gray or black “spider-web” veins |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Lustre | Sub-Vitreous to Dull |
| Refractive Index | 1.583 to 1.605 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.53 to 2.59 |
ART: Because Howlite is exceptionally porous, it takes dye very well; consequently, artisans frequently dye it blue to imitate Turquoise or red to imitate Coral for use in affordable, decorative fashion jewelry and beadwork.
HIDDEN TRUTH: Despite its common use as a Turquoise substitute, natural Howlite possesses its own distinct elegance; its white “marble” appearance with dark veins represents the “uncluttered mind” in many spiritual traditions.
FACT: Howlite rarely forms in visible crystals; instead, it almost always occurs in “nodules” that resemble the head of a cauliflower.
Did you know?
Did you know that Henry How, the stone’s namesake, originally described the mineral as “silico-boro-calcite”? It wasn’t until later that the mineralogist James Dwight Dana renamed it Howlite to honor its discoverer.
I. Geological Overview of Howlite
Howlite is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide mineral that typically forms in evaporite deposits. It develops in massive, opaque nodules that can range from a few centimeters to several hundred pounds. Furthermore, the dark, erratic veins that characterize the stone consist of other minerals, such as matrix rock, that fill the fractures during the stone’s formation. Because it is a relatively soft and porous mineral, it remains sensitive to chemical cleaners and acidic substances. Consequently, while it serves as a beautiful ornamental stone, it requires a protective finish or careful handling to maintain its polished surface.
II. Traditional Applications of Howlite
Historically, Howlite lacks the ancient mythologies of older gems due to its 19th-century discovery. Additionally, it quickly became a staple in the American Southwest as a more accessible alternative to Turquoise in “costume” jewelry. In modern times, the mineral has earned a reputation as the “ultimate bedside stone” for those suffering from chronic stress. Moreover, students utilize the stone to enhance memory retention and focus during intense periods of study.
III. Holistic Properties & Healing Benefits of Howlite
Howlite provides comprehensive holistic benefits by acting as a powerful frequency for mental decontamination and emotional regulation. It functions as a “vacuum” for an overactive mind, drawing out the chaotic “noise” that prevents deep reflection.
- Physical Level: Practitioners believe it balances calcium levels in the body, supporting healthy teeth and bones, while also utilizing it to alleviate muscle tension caused by stress.
- Mental Level: The stone acts as a tool for extreme focus, helping the user to settle the mind and absorb new information without becoming overwhelmed.
- Emotional Level: It acts as a primary antidote to rage and impulsive behavior, teaching the user to “look before they leap” and approach conflict with a calm, reasoned perspective.
- Spiritual Level: It facilitates a connection to the higher dimensions, assisting the user in receiving wisdom from the Crown Chakra during meditation or lucid dreaming.
Metaphysically, the stone’s Monoclinic System reflects an energy of flexibility and subtle transition, which helps the user adapt to changing emotional landscapes without losing their center. Furthermore, the Opaque Nature of Howlite is spiritually interpreted as a “shield” that prevents external mental noise from penetrating the user’s inner sanctum. Because the stone possesses a Low Mohs Hardness, it is energetically used to symbolize the “softening” of a hardened heart or rigid viewpoint. Additionally, the Dark Veining represents the neural pathways of the brain, suggesting the stone’s ability to reorganize thought patterns and improve mental focus.
IV. Care and Use of Howlite
Proper care for Howlite involves protecting its soft structure and maintaining its porous “cleanness.” Owners must treat the stone with gentleness to avoid scratches and chemical discoloration.
Clearing and Cleansing:
- Smudging: Pass the stone through the smoke of white sage or lavender to clear away the mental “clutter” it absorbs during the day.
- Moonlight Cleansing: Place the Howlite on a windowsill during the New Moon to align with the energy of new beginnings and internal stillness.
- Selenite Clearing: Rest the stone on a Selenite slab for four hours; this dry method is the safest for Howlite, as it prevents the stone from absorbing excess moisture.
Charging:
- Bedside Charging: Place the stone under your pillow or on your nightstand; this “programs” the stone to sync with your circadian rhythms and promote rest.
- Patience Meditation: Hold the stone and visualize a white light expanding from the crystal into your mind, cooling any “fiery” emotions or impatience.
- Starlight Charging: Set the stone outside under a clear, starry sky to infuse it with the vast, quiet energy of the cosmos.
V. History of Howlite
The history of Howlite showcases a journey from a Canadian scientific discovery to a global decorative staple. For instance, the original specimens found in the Brookville gypsum quarry of Nova Scotia provided the first evidence of this unique borate chemistry. Similarly, the “Turquenite” boom of the mid-20th century demonstrated the stone’s versatility in the commercial market, even if it led to frequent misidentification. Furthermore, the stone remains a central tool in modern “sleep hygiene” practices. This enduring legacy confirms that Howlite is a mineral of practical scientific interest and significant emotional utility.
VI. Crystallography of Howlite
| Crystal System | Monoclinic: Usually occurring in massive, nodular forms; individual crystals are microscopic. |
| Nodular Habit | The stone grows in rounded masses that represent a contained and protected energy source. |
| Borate Composition | The presence of Boron creates a chemical signature associated with mental agility and clarity. |
| Refractive Index | 1.583 – 1.600: A moderate index that contributes to its soft, sub-vitreous lustre. |
| Birefringence | 0.022: A low double refraction that provides a steady and uncomplicated energetic output. |
| Optical Character | Biaxial Negative: Indicates the movement of light along three axes, reflecting a balanced mental state. |
| Specific Gravity | 2.45 – 2.58: A lightweight density that corresponds with the “Air” element and spiritual elevation. |
| Porosity | High: The stone’s ability to absorb external elements symbolizes its role as an energetic filter. |
| Fracture Type | Subconchoidal to Uneven: Breaks with irregular surfaces, signifying the raw, unpolished truth. |
| Vein Inclusions | Usually Jowerite or Carbonates: These fill the cracks and create the stone’s iconic “webbed” appearance. |
Sources & Credits
Sources
- Mindat.org, Hudson Institute of Mineralogy. Howlite Mineral Data, Localities, and Borate Chemistry
- The Smithsonian Institution. The Discovery of Howlite and the Minerals of Nova Scotia
- The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Howlite and its Use as a Gemstone Simulant
- “The Book of Stones” by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian. The use of Howlite for sleep, patience, and anger reduction (Source for Section III and IV).
- Canadian Mineralogist. The Original Description of Howlite by Henry How (1868) (Source for Section II and V).
- “Love is in the Earth” by Melody. Holistic applications of Howlite for memory and Crown Chakra activation (Source for Section III).
- American Museum of Natural History. Borate Minerals: Formation and Industrial Uses (Source for Fact and Crystallography sections).
