Collection: Howlite

Howlite is a stone belonging to the calcite group. It is composed of silicon, calcium silicate and a significant amount of boron. More precisely, it is a hydroxylated calcium borosilicate. Its crystallization system is rhombohedral, that is to say resembling a sort of cube with faces that are not square, but diamond-shaped.

This stone is recognized in part by its white, opaque and porous appearance. It has black veins that appear randomly. Similar to marble, white howlite has a significantly lower hardness. In fact, its hardness is between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale (which ranges from 1 to 10). As a result, it is a soft and fragile stone. Furthermore, it is soluble in hydrochloric acid.

White howlite is found in borax deposits in dry lakes in desert regions. It is extracted in compact masses or irregular nodules often mixed with gypsum or anhydrite.

This porous stone is unfortunately regularly used to imitate certain stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli or coral. It has the ability to absorb different colors and has been widely used by counterfeiters.

The history of howlite is very recent since it was discovered by Henri How in 1868. Henri How (1828-1879) was an Anglo-Canadian chemist, geologist and mineralogist. He found this stone in the mines of Windsor in Canada. He named it silico-boro-calcite, but the mineralogist and geologist James Dwight Dana (1813-1895) named it howlite in homage to the man who first identified it.

The oldest texts mentioning white howlite stone are those of the American Indians. They called it “sacred buffalo stone” or “white buffalo stone”. To them, white howlite was as rare as white bison. They used this stone during sacred rites or as a healing stone. In fact, they gave it protective and even curative powers. Thus, they made numerous white howlite amulets to protect themselves from animals when they went hunting.

Today, this stone is widely used in lithotherapy and jewelry. Many necklaces or bracelets are made with this white stone veined with black. You can also find decorative objects made from white howlite.

The main deposits are in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Canada, USA, Russia, etc.

In lithotherapy, howlite has soothing and stabilizing properties. It is extremely useful for all stressful situations. Thus, during tense family meals or tense professional meetings, this stone can absorb negative energies. It thus promotes calm exchanges and keeps anger away.

It is renowned for being a stone of discernment and thus facilitates making good decisions in complicated situations. In fact, it clarifies ideas during decisive choices and provides support in difficult times. It comforts its wearer during distressing situations. It has the particularity of dispelling fears.

Howlite fights stress and helps overcome phobias. It provides peace and serenity. It gives calmness and removes anxiety. This stone reduces negative thoughts, increases concentration and strengthens memory. It absorbs harmful influences and purifies the environment.

This stone brings joy, serenity and removes feelings of anger and resentment. It helps not to lose patience and helps manage impulsivity. It calms anxiety and promotes quality sleep. It is extremely beneficial for hypersensitive people.