Howlite: Meaning, Origins and Virtues

Howlite is a captivating gemstone (previously known as semi-precious stone), known for its distinctive white color with characteristic gray or black veins. It is highly prized in jewelry for its natural elegance and by lithotherapy enthusiasts, who attribute numerous benefits to it. Buy howlite beads and jewelry components to create unique and elegant natural stone jewelry.

What does howlite mean?

This natural stone is named after geologist Henry How, who discovered it in Canada in 1868, in a gypsum quarry. Initially, it was called Silico-boro-calcite. It was mineralogist James Dwight Dana who gave it its definitive name, in tribute to the Canadian chemist.

The origin of howlite

Very few legends and stories are known about howlite, due to its very recent discovery.
We only know that the Amerindians nicknamed it"white buffalo stone" or"sacred buffalo stone", because they said it was as rare as white buffalo. They used it for their shamanic rituals. They wore it as a pendant, on the solar plexus, as a protective amulet.

What color is howlite?

Howlite's color ranges from creamy white to pale yellow and pale green, with gray or black veins giving it a distinctive marbled appearance.
This porous natural stone is sometimes dyed to offer a greater variety of colors or to imitate other gemstones. Tinted blue, it imitates turquoise. Tinted red, it imitates Red Jasper.

What are the properties of howlite stone?

Howlite is a calcium silico-borate with a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and delicate to work. Its density is generally around 2.45 to 2.58 g/cm³. This low density contributes to its lightness, an asset for its use in jewelry.

Where is howlite found?

White howlite is mined mainly in Canada, notably in Nova Scotia, but there are also deposits in California, France, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Austria and Turkey.

What are the virtues of howlite stone?

In lithotherapy, this fine stone is often associated with serenity and calm, making it a popular choice for meditation and relaxation practices. It is often associated with serenity, relaxation and emotional balance. Its white color symbolizes purity and clarity of mind, making it attractive in spiritual and wellness practices.
It is said to promote inner peace and help reduce stress.

What is the chakra of howlite? Howlite is often associated with the crown chakra, the solar plexus chakra and the third eye chakra.
With its white color, it is believed to help open and balance the crown chakra, facilitating meditation, clarity of mind and spiritual upliftment.
Linked to the Third Eye chakra, it can also be used to calm the mind, strengthen intuition and encourage introspective reflection.
Worked with the sacral chakra, or solar plexus chakra, it is said to enhance creativity.

It is the ideal gemstone for natives of the astrological signs Virgo, Gemini and Libra.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge howlite?

Like all natural stones, howlite needs to be cleaned, purified and recharged regularly to ensure that it recovers all its benefits.
Before purifying and recharging, it is advisable to gently clean the stone. To do this, use a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water (not hot water). Don't forget to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid immersing it in water or using chemicals for too long, as this could alter its appearance or change its color.
The second step is purification. Fumigation with incense sticks or white sage is generally used.
Last step: recharging. Place it for a few hours undermoonlight or sunlight. To amplify this action, place it on top of a cluster of quartz.

How to wear howlite?

Howlite's neutral color makes it easy to combine with gold orsilver. In the form of beads, cabochons or pendants, it blends perfectly with silver or stainless steeljewelry primers, highlighting its subtle sparkle. For a bolder effect, combine it with gold elements, such as Gold Filled or Gold Plated, or colored elements. Howlite works well in different types of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.

Which stone to wear with howlite ? In lithotherapy, it can be combined with stones such asamethyst or rose quartz to enhance its soothing effect. You can also wear it with gemstones that resemble it, such as hematite, red jasper or citrine. But it also lends itself to more personal combinations, depending on your tastes and desires.

What stones shouldn't be combined with howlite? Beware of overly powerful stones such astiger's eye,onyx orobsidian.