Howlite: Meaning, Origins and Virtues

Howlite is a captivating gemstone (formerly known as a semiprecious 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 practitioners of crystal healing, who attribute many benefits to it. Buy howlite beads and jewelry components to create unique and elegant pieces of 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. It was initially called silico-boro-calcite. Mineralogist James Dwight Dana gave it its final name in honor of the Canadian chemist.

The Origin of Howlite

Very few legends or stories are known about howlite, due to its very recent discovery.
We only know that Native Americans called itthe “white bison stone” or“sacred bison stone,” because they said it was as rare as the white bison. They used it in their shamanic rituals. They wore it as a pendant over the solar plexus as a protective amulet.

What color is howlite?

The color of howlite ranges from creamy white to pale yellow, including pale green, with gray or black veins, giving it a distinctive marbled appearance.
This porous natural stone is sometimes dyed to offer a wider variety of colors or to mimic other gemstones. When dyed blue, it resembles turquoise. When dyed red, it resembles red jasper.

What are the properties of howlite?

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

Where is howlite found?

White howlite is primarily mined in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, but deposits are also found in California, France, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Austria, and Turkey.

What are the properties of howlite?

In crystal healing, this gemstone is often associated with serenity and calm, making it a prized stone in 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 appealing for spiritual and wellness practices.
It is said to promote inner peace and help reduce stress.

Which chakra is associated with 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 promote the opening and balance of the crown chakra, thereby facilitating meditation, clarity of mind, and spiritual elevation.
Linked to the third eye chakra, it can also be used to calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and encourage introspection.
When used with the sacral chakra, or solar plexus chakra, it is said to enhance creativity.

It is the ideal gemstone for those born under the astrological signs of Virgo, Gemini, and Libra.

Please note: Our gemstones are not sold for use in crystal healing. Natural stones are in no way a substitute for medical expertise or medical treatment.

How do you recharge howlite?

Like all natural stones, howlite must be cleaned, purified, and recharged regularly to restore its full benefits.
Before purifying and recharging it, it’s best to clean it gently. To do this, use a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water (never hot water). Be sure to dry it completely with a soft cloth. Avoid leaving it in water for too long or using chemicals, as this could alter its appearance or change its color.
The second step is purification. This is typically done by smudging with incense sticks or white sage.
Final step: recharging it. Place it for a few hoursin the moonlight or sunlight. To enhance this effect, place it under a cluster of quartz.

How should you wear howlite?

Howlite’s neutral color makes it easy to pair with gold orsilver. Whether in the form of beads, cabochons, or pendants, it pairs perfectly with silver or stainless steeljewelry findings, highlighting its subtle luster. For a bolder look, pair it with gold elements—such as Gold Filled or gold-plated pieces—or colorful accents. Howlite works well in various types of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

Which stones pair well with howlite? In crystal healing, it can be combined with stones likeamethyst or rose quartz to enhance its calming 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 based on your tastes and preferences.

Which stones should not be paired with howlite? Be careful with stones that are too powerful, such as tiger’s eye,onyx, orobsidian.