Howlite gets its name from the gentleman that discovered it - - Henry How. The 19th century geologist originally located the stone in Nova Scotia. It is still mined there, albeit in smaller quantities than in times past.
In its pure form, howlite is an opaque white or pale gray material with dark gray and/or black striations running through it. The stone is calcium carbonate called silicoborate. It is commonly found in evaporite material deposits along with other borate minerals.
Howlite forms in nodules that mimic the appearance of a head of cauliflower. Sometimes translucent crystals form on top of the nodules; however, that is rare and is almost exclusively found in Nova Scotia gem material. Its composition allows the gem to accept dyes well, which explains why it can easily imitate turquoise. It is also been used in recent years to imitate lapis and red coral.
Howlite can appear fluorescent under a UV light. It may skew slightly blue or even yellow. It also dissolves easily in a hydrochloric acid solution. These tests are often used to tell howlite apart from the gems that it can mimic.
Without this kind of testing, even gem dealers can be fooled by this imitation stone. Unfortunately,Wholesale Earring, this confusion has made a handful of dishonest dealers a small fortune along the way.
Many gem setters make a conscious decision to use howlite instead of turquoise because it is much more affordable. Today, it is even found in Native American pieces. However, in most cases, these individuals are honest and disclose the fact that an imitation gem has been used.
The primary source of howlite at the moment is California. Huge quantities of the gem, up to 100 pounds at a time, have been located there. However, it is also found Canada, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the United States.
Howlite is soft, ranking only 3.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Somehow, however, it still manages to have decent durability. It is primarily used for carving and beadwork but can also be easily cut into cabochons. It is not a gem that is routinely faceted.
Howlite is used in all types of jewelry, although it is better suited for pieces that won't be exposed to a great deal of stress. It is ideally suited for necklaces, pendants, and earrings, but it is also used in rings and bracelets from time to time.
Because the gem is soft, it should be kept away from harsh chemicals. Acids, solvents, and prolonged exposure to harsh light can damage or completely ruin the stone. It should never be immersed in an ultra-sonic cleaner.
Howlite is sometimes referred to as the memory stone. It is believed to help with both memory and knowledge retention. It also encourages reasoning, patience, and tact. Additionally, it is believed to dispel selfishness, promote inner strength, and aid in meditation.
Some mediums and psychics believe the stone is uniquely suited to help with astral projection. Still others claim it is helpful in gaining insight into past lives.
Additionally, the gem aids in communication of feelings by encouraging clear focus. It also helps to promote new ideas as well as spur its wearer into action. And it prevents one from being angry, overly critical or innately rude.
In its blue form, howlite promotes tranquility and relieves stress. It helps avoid insomnia by calming an overactive mind.
The gem also has medicinal properties. It aids in balancing calcium levels within the body and alleviates stress and pain.
Howlite is the gemstone of the astrological sign Gemini - - the twins; perhaps because of its own duality. But why such a beautiful stone on its own would want to mimic another gem is beyond me. Although howlite doesn't currently get the respect it so richly deserves, hopefully it will at some point in the future. After all, what two colors go with virtually everything? That would, of course, be black and white - - the colors of howlite.
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