Howlite jewelry has an understated, mineral elegance that is immediately appealing. Its porcelain white, streaked with fine gray veins, creates a very refined, almost architectural marbled appearance. Howlite is a calcium borate discovered in 1868 by the Canadian chemist and geologist Henry How, who gave it its name. It is a stone that has long been in the shadows, often dyed blue to imitate turquoise at a lower cost. This is a shame, because natural howlite has a charm and properties that deserve attention for what it truly is, not as a substitute.
In lithotherapy, howlite is a stone of calm, patience, and perspective. It primarily works on the crown chakra and acts as a natural mental slow-downer. Where amethyst soothes excessive thoughts, howlite curbs them at the source. It is a stone recommended for impulsive, impatient people, those who ruminate, or who have difficulty letting go. It is also highly valued for facilitating sleep: placed under the pillow or worn as a bracelet at night, it helps to calm an overactive brain and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Another rarely mentioned advantage of howlite is that it is an excellent stone for memory and learning. It helps to absorb new information calmly and methodically, without distraction. Combined with fluorite, it's a formidable duo for students.
Howlite pairs very well with amethyst (deep soothing), moonstone (intuition and gentleness), or rock crystal (amplification). For maintenance, a rinse with clear water and recharging in moonlight are sufficient. Please note: howlite is porous and can absorb oils, perfumes, and dirt. Avoid contact with cosmetics. With a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, it is a soft stone that requires a little daily care.
