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Howlite

Photo: AlexeiAVA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Howlite

Also known as: White howlite

Soft white stone with grey veins, named after a Canadian chemist – a crystal lore favourite for calm and sleep.

  • ColourWhite, Grey veins
  • Mineral groupBorate
  • ChemistryCa₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅
  • Hardness (Mohs)3.5
  • Crystal systemMonoclinic
  • Where it's foundUSA (California), Canada, Turkey
  • ChakraCrown
  • ZodiacGemini

What is Howlite?

Howlite is a calcium borosilicate first described in 1868 near Windsor, Nova Scotia, and named after the Canadian chemist and geologist Henry How. It forms white nodules with grey to black web-like veins, and the main source today is California.

Because it's porous, howlite takes dye easily – it's often dyed blue to imitate turquoise, or in bright colours. Natural howlite is white.

Howlite astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsGemini
  • Ruling planetMoon
  • ElementAir
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Howlite meaning & traditional properties

Howlite is associated with calm, patience and restful sleep in crystal traditions, and is often chosen for a busy mind.

  • Calm
  • Sleep
  • Patience

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Howlite

  • Keep howlite on your bedside table.
  • Wear a howlite bracelet when you need patience.

How to care for Howlite

Soft and porous. Avoid water, chemicals and perfume; dyed howlite can lose colour. Wipe with a dry cloth.

Shop Howlite

Hand-picked howlite crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Howlite with a calm & sleep ritual

An evening wind-down ritual to slow the mind before rest.

Traditionally paired with: Lavender or chamomile incense · Sandalwood or Nag Champa · A soft lavender or white candle

  • Dim the lights and light a lavender or chamomile candle.
  • Light sandalwood or lavender incense and take five slow breaths.
  • Hold your crystal in your palm while you let the day go, then place it on your bedside table.
  • Blow out the candle before you sleep.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Howlite jewellery & pendulums

Howlite FAQs

Is blue howlite natural?

No – blue howlite is dyed, often to imitate turquoise.

Who is howlite named after?

Henry How, a 19th-century Canadian chemist and geologist.

Related crystals

  • Magnesite

    Magnesite

    Chalky white magnesium carbonate with grey veins – often dyed to imitate turquoise.

  • Selenite
    In our shop

    Selenite

    Luminous gypsum named after the moon – a cleansing stone in crystal lore that must be kept away from water.

  • Lepidolite
    In our shop

    Lepidolite

    Lilac lithium mica with a soft sparkle, popular in crystal lore for calm, balance and sleep.

  • Amethyst
    In our shop

    Amethyst

    Purple quartz, the February birthstone, famous since ancient Greece as the stone of calm and a clear head.

Sources