- What: Ornamental;
- Deposits: Canada, California, Germany, Serbia;
- Colors: White, grey, dye blue;
- Mohs hardness: 3.5;
- Transparency: Opaque, transparent;
- Density: 2.5-2.6 g/cm³;
- Formula: Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5;
- Suitable for zodiac sign: Everyone except fire signs;
- How much does it cost: from 180 rubles.
Today we will talk about a very unusual stone, which is a wonderful decoration for jewelry. It is a natural formation of calcium and borosilicate. And this stone is called howlite.
Origin story
It was discovered in 1868 by geologist Henry Govoy, Howe, who found this mineral on the Scottish Peninsula. The stone was named after its discoverer.
But besides this, it was given other names, caulite and silicoborocalcite, since for Slavic pronunciation the name howlite is far from being a suitable and beautiful name. Romantics call it the sacred bison.
Even in ancient times, white howlite emphasized the noble origin and rich financial position of its owner. Noble people loved to show off to each other with jewelry made from this unusual natural mineral.
Today, cabochons and balls for beads are most often made from this semi-precious mineral, jewelry that will be affordable even for an ordinary person.
Description
Howlite (from English Howlite) is a representative of potassium borosilicates. The mineral has several names. He is called:
- silicoborocalcite;
- howlite;
- turquenite;
- pressed turquoise;
- white stone buffalo;
- caulite.
The official name of the gem directly depends on the name of its discoverer - Canadian geologist and mineralogist Henry Gova.
Physical properties
The peculiarity of this stone is that it has different shapes and sizes. Howlite can be round, flat or even oval.
As for color, you can most often see samples of white shades with black or brown streaks. Although there are stones that have a translucent color, there are much fewer such specimens in nature.
Many do not appreciate this natural beauty, considering the white appearance of howlite gloomy and boring, so they strive to embellish the mineral in their own way. Masters give it green and red shades.
This not only makes the stone more attractive, but also significantly increases its value.
Such artistic processing is not at all difficult to do, since howlite has a porous structure, thanks to which it lends itself well to cutting and painting.
The mineral consists of calcium borosilicate and impurities of potassium and sodium.
It is classified as a fragile mineral. So, on a ten-point scale, he takes 3rd place. The density of this semi-precious stone is 2.5-2.6 g/cm3. Howlite is also soluble in acids, so contact of this stone with various chemicals should be avoided.
Place of Birth
In nature, the stone is not very common, forming in evaporite pools. These are precipitated saturated saline solutions rich in calcium and boron. The largest deposits are located in the state of California, America. In Canada, natural stone is also found in the form of plate-like crystals.
Howlite was discovered in Serbia and Germany (Lower Saxony). It is still mined at the site of its original discovery, but new mines have also been opened. There are blocks of various sizes, the largest of which (California) weighs 500 kg . There are not many deposits in total, so Howlite is considered one of the rare minerals.
Varieties, colors
Turkvenite
A variety of howlite is a stone called turquenite. It is this type of mineral that is most often disguised as turquoise, so that later it can be sold at a higher price.
Turkvenite has the same abilities as howlite. He treats people with trepidation and constantly protects them from all adversities. Turkvelit, like a sponge, absorbs all the negativity that is directed at its owner.
Note
Like the Christian image of Saint Tatiana, Govlit is the patron saint of students. Helps develop a passion for science, master the material, and concentrates.
It also enhances the charm of the owner. It's not just about how the stone looks. It can be carried in your pocket. At the same time, it makes a person sociable that it helps to establish educational contact. The mineral constantly stimulates a person to improve.
Treating the mineral with love, jewelers added some properties to natural samples, giving them a magnificent color. You can take magical qualities seriously or not. But if you like Howlite jewelry, you should buy it.
5/5 — (1 vote)
Magic properties
Howlite is a favorite stone of sorcerers and healers because it has a wide range of effects and can help in different situations.
It is noteworthy that only natural white stones will be suitable for ritual rituals. Who knows why this particular color is suitable.
Maybe because it symbolizes purity, sincerity and innocence.
This stone is so powerful that it is used to tame the elements and prevent cataclysms. But this is not its main advantage. Magicians value the mineral because it has a positive effect on people.
Howlite with great ease:
- enlightens human consciousness;
- irrevocably eradicates anxiety;
- removes anger and aggression forever.
The stone is also placed next to the bed, since it has the ability to remember dreams, then sorcerers use it to interpret them and not only predict the future, but successfully change it for the better.
In addition, howlite is an excellent friend for students. It helps to master new information and also opens up learning abilities. The main thing when studying the material is to wear jewelry with this mineral, or simply hold the howlite in your fist.
This semi-precious stone will help you write tests and pass exams if you take it with you. It will also help during the interview, because it will show you to the future boss as an erudite and purposeful person.
From the very first minutes, your boss will understand that you can be given the most difficult tasks and, it would seem, not feasible for everyone.
This semi-precious mineral is also used during meditation. They say that howlite helps the soul to separate from the body and go on an exciting journey.
But only the person who constantly meditates is capable of this. At the same time, the medium places the mineral on the center of his forehead and enters a trance, reaching a state where consciousness is completely separated from the body.
Medicinal properties
Howlite is endowed with medicinal properties, primarily due to the calcium it contains.
So, this semi-precious stone will have a beneficial effect on the body, namely:
- Will help cope with problems of joints, muscles and bones.
- Overcome toothache.
- Helps in the healing of fractures and various injuries.
- It will eliminate difficulties with sufficient calcium in the body, this issue is especially relevant for a woman who is expecting a child. After all, everyone knows that during pregnancy the body really needs it.
A howlite necklace will help get rid of heart problems and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It will also protect the owner from stressful situations and relieve depression.
It should be noted that this stone simply magically influences the human psyche. Howlite emits peculiar waves that truly magically calm a person, relieve stress, dispel anger and normalize his mental state for a long time.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Although howlite is famous for its purity and positive energy, it still cannot be friends with all zodiac signs. The semi-precious mineral is strictly forbidden to be worn by: Leo, Sagittarius and Aries . Howlite can only bring grief, sadness and apathy to these zodiac signs. Their life will become dull and uninteresting.
Howlite will provide real support to Scorpio, Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus. The mineral will fill them with vital energy, set goals for them, and help them achieve them.
Howlite remains practically indifferent to other signs of the zodiac. He feels neither great anger nor strong friendship towards them.
Howlit and Zodiac
Howlite is ideal for the horoscope of Virgo, Taurus, Scorpio and Capricorn. They will receive support in all areas. The stone will help you find yourself, determine your life’s work and move to the top. It will nourish you physically.
The mineral has zero compatibility with the fire triad. Astrology warns: Leos, Sagittarius, Aries will get depression, apathy, and lose their taste for life with a howlite accessory.
The stone is neutral to other signs of the Zodiac: it does not help, but it does not harm either. This is just a decoration or an exhibit of the collection.
Talismans and amulets
Natural polished howlite is used to make talismans and amulets.
People who carry it with them:
- experience personal growth;
- become more self-confident;
- will remain kind and positively charged individuals.
This stone is a favorite talisman of doctors. Keeping it to yourself in the office means dooming yourself to success in any operation. The hand of such a doctor will certainly be light. Patients will be delighted with it.
Also, howlite acts as a talisman for other professions that are associated with science and discoveries. It becomes an excellent assistant for them in learning the truth.
Decorations
Due to the fact that the mineral can be easily processed, it is used in jewelry. It is used to create excellent beads, earrings and bracelets. As a rule, the stone is framed with silver.
It is believed that howlite beads give a girl a unique twist and endow her with an unusual charm. A pendant with this semi-precious stone will take away all adversity from a person and become a real amulet for him. A ring with this mineral will have a positive effect on a guy and give him self-confidence.
Of course, from this semi-precious mineral I make not only jewelry, but also figurines. They will serve as an excellent room decoration and just a great gift for a friend or relatives.
Other uses of stone
Often, craftsmen use this mineral for ornamental work. At the same time, they deceive not only jewelry lovers, but also connoisseurs of original decorative items.
Where is it used?
Painted magnesite has found application in the jewelry and ornaments industry.
Its main mission is to replace expensive natural turquoise. The range of products is wider than turquoise; craftsmen make all types of jewelry. Polished inserts of rings, earrings, brooches or beads acquire an oily shine.
Ring with turkenite
The dimensions of the stone allow you to create small plastic pieces, carve balls, pyramids, and other esoteric paraphernalia.
Collectors of mineralogical collections are only interested in turkenite as a curiosity, a man-made variety of magnesite.
Price and care
Howlit is inexpensive. It will be affordable for anyone who loves jewelry made from semi-precious stones.
As for caring for the mineral, it is not at all difficult.
To keep it as smooth and beautiful, you must adhere to the following tips:
- To store howlite, you should choose a box that closes well and does not allow light to pass through. This stone loves the dark.
- To clean the mineral, you should use only warm water. Soap solution and any chemicals can affect its color and shine, as well as disrupt the shape of howlite.
How to care for howlite
Due to its physical characteristics, the mineral requires personal care and close attention. To preserve the natural beauty and strength of howlite, the following rules must be observed:
- Regular wear will damage the stone. An increased likelihood of mechanical damage and exposure to sunlight will spoil the appearance and properties of the mineral;
- The stone is cleaned in filtered water without the participation of any chemicals. Upon contact with them, the stone is destroyed;
- after washing, wipe the stone dry with a terry cotton cloth and put it in a separate box in a dark place;
By following these rules, you can preserve the shine, color and shape of howlite for many years.
How to distinguish from a fake?
Turquoise
Blue Coral
Mineral is a favorite stone of charlatans because, once colored, it can easily be passed off as turquoise or coral. It is especially difficult to distinguish this stone from turquoise.
They are similar to each other, like two peas in a pod. But in terms of composition and physical properties, these stones are completely different. It will be very difficult even for a professional to understand that this is a fake, but what can we say about an ordinary person?
In order to expose the seller and understand that in front of you is a simple semi-precious howlite stone, and not turquoise, you should try to scratch off the paint with your finger. If the trick is successful, then rest assured that they are trying to deceive you and get more money out of you.
Synthetic howlite
The only question is, what kind of seller can agree to put scratches on his product that is lying on the counter? And are there people who would want to ruin their new clothes on the first day?
It is also noteworthy that in nature turquoise cannot exist in such large sizes as howlite. Also, turquoise does not have the peculiar porcelain shine that this mineral has.
Another distinctive feature is the small crystals. They can be easily seen through a magnifying glass on the surface of howlite, which cannot be said at all about turquoise.
If you doubt the authenticity of your jewelry and suspect that you have a counterfeit in your hands, you can turn to a gemologist for help. He will definitely help you deal with this problem.
What stones does it go with?
Most often, when craftsmen create jewelry from howlite, they are not guided by any superstitions or signs. These professionals look at color combinations.
Since white is a very unique color, any other shade can be paired harmoniously with it. It easily fits into the company and is repainted green.
Only emerald color is not suitable for him as a friend. Much worse things consist of howlite disguised as coral. He does not go well with any colors, so finding a companion for him will not be easy at all.
Price
Russian online stores offer to buy howlite and products with it at the following cost (RUB):
- egg (25, 50 mm) – 480, 780;
- bracelet (beads diameter 6–10 mm) – 740–970;
- thread of beads for needlework (6–9 mm) – 420–580;
- pyramid (50x50x35 mm) – 1,280;
- keychain – 1,350;
- horse figurine – 3,560.
Material from the USA and Zimbabwe.
Interesting Facts
Howlite, like all stones, has its own little secrets that you will be very interested to know about.
Here are the most entertaining of them:
- Massage therapists love to use this mineral for their own purposes because it retains heat well. Heated howlite is an excellent helper for rheumatism. They also like to use this mineral for anti-cellulite massage.
- The stone does not like the sun. Therefore, you do not need to wear it all the time. Sometimes he must take a break from daylight somewhere in a secluded dark corner.
- The largest specimen of this mineral was discovered in California. Its weight reached 500 kg.
As you can see, despite the fact that howlite has a low price, it is a fairly rare stone and has a lot of advantages. Its unusual appearance will help to exquisitely emphasize your beauty and grace.
Areas of application
Not used in industry. There is simply too little mineral on Earth.
In its natural form, the stone is “not for everybody.” The bulk of the stones are used to imitate turquoise and coral. Porous stones are easy to paint and the results are amazing.
Howlite, artificially colored blue, is sold under the name Turquenite
Expert opinion
Semenishcheva Polina
Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.
Only a good mineralogist or jeweler can distinguish “pressed turquoise” from natural one.
