Turkenite pebble China A

35-40mm turquenite tumbled stone from China.
Patterns and colors may vary from one stone to another.

Turquenite is a blue-dyed howlite.
Its properties are therefore the same as white howlite

White 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 borosilicate of calcium. Its crystallization system is rhombohedral, meaning it resembles a type of cube with faces that are not square but diamond-shaped.

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

White howlite is found in borax deposits in dried lake beds 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 various dyes and has been widely used by counterfeiters.

The history of howlite is very recent as 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 Windsor mines 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 one who first identified it.

The oldest texts mentioning white howlite stone are those of the Native Americans. They called it the "sacred stone of the bison" or the "white bison stone". For them, white howlite was as rare as the white bison. They used this stone in sacred rituals or as a healing stone. Indeed, they attributed protective and even curative powers to it. Thus, they made many amulets from white howlite 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. Decorative objects made of white howlite can also be found.

The main deposits are in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Canada, the United States, Russia, etc.

White howlite stone has soothing and stabilizing virtues. It is extremely useful for all stressful situations. Thus, during tense family meals or stressful professional meetings, this stone can absorb negative energies. It thus promotes calm exchanges and wards off anger.

It is reputed to be a stone of discernment and thus facilitates good decision-making in complicated situations. In fact, it clarifies ideas during decisive choices and provides support in difficult times. It comforts its wearer during anxious situations. It has the particularity of dispelling fears.

White howlite combats stress and helps overcome phobias. It provides peace and serenity. It instills self-control and suppresses anxiety. This stone reduces negative thoughts, enhances concentration, and strengthens memory. It absorbs harmful influences and purifies the environment.

This stone brings joy, serenity, and suppresses feelings of anger and resentment. It helps maintain patience and allows for managing impulsivity. It calms anxieties and promotes quality sleep. It is extremely beneficial for hypersensitive people.