Crystalpedia: Howlite Meaning, Properties, and Benefits
Summary of Howlite
Howlite is a calming stone often used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote emotional healing. It is known for its striking white color with grey or black veining, resembling marble. Howlite is commonly found in North America and has a soft, smooth texture, making it ideal for jewelry, carvings, and decorative items. This stone is associated with promoting tranquility, open-mindedness, and patience.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Hydrated calcium borosilicate |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 3.5 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Colors | White, with grey or black veining |
| Chakra Alignment | Crown Chakra |
What is Howlite?
Howlite is a borate mineral that was first discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada, in the 19th century. Named after the Canadian chemist and mineralogist Henry How, this stone is often dyed to mimic more expensive stones like turquoise. However, in its natural form, Howlite’s white and grey color gives it a unique elegance.
Physical/Geological Properties: Howlite has a Mohs hardness of 3.5, meaning it is a relatively soft stone. It is commonly used in jewelry but should be handled with care to prevent scratches. The stone has a smooth, waxy texture and often contains web-like veining patterns.
Formation Process: Howlite forms in evaporation deposits in regions rich in calcium and borate minerals. Over time, as water evaporates, the remaining mineral deposits form veins of Howlite. Its fibrous structure gives it a unique appearance.
Color Variation and Optical Characteristics: Natural Howlite is white or cream-colored with grey or black veins running through it. Its porous nature allows it to be easily dyed, commonly mimicking turquoise.
History and Legend of Howlite
While Howlite was only discovered relatively recently in the 1800s, it has quickly gained popularity in metaphysical circles. Its calming energies have made it a favorite for those seeking peace and mindfulness. The stone’s ability to promote serenity and reduce negative emotions has led to its frequent use in meditation practices and healing work.
Historically, Howlite has been regarded as a stone of wisdom and awareness, aiding individuals in understanding deeper truths and opening the mind to new ideas.
Healing and Metaphysical Properties of Howlite
Howlite’s calming energies make it an excellent stone for emotional healing, stress relief, and bringing balance to one’s life. Here’s a breakdown of its healing effects:
Feng Shui: In Feng Shui, Howlite is often placed in bedrooms or meditation spaces to bring about calm and relaxation. It helps reduce mental clutter and promotes harmony in the environment.
Spiritual Healing Properties: Howlite is aligned with the Crown Chakra, the center of spiritual connection and higher wisdom. It opens the mind to new perspectives, making it a powerful stone for meditation, spiritual awareness, and connecting with the higher self.
Body Healing Properties: Howlite is often used to relieve muscle tension, alleviate insomnia, and reduce the physical effects of stress. It is said to aid in balancing calcium levels in the body, strengthening teeth and bones.
Metaphysical Properties: Howlite is known for its ability to calm the mind, making it excellent for those who struggle with anxiety or overthinking. It promotes patience, reduces anger, and aids in clear communication, particularly in emotionally charged situations.
Relationship Between Howlite and Astrological Signs
Howlite is most closely associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini. It helps balance Gemini’s dual nature, calming the mind and promoting better communication, especially in situations where emotions run high.
Howlite also resonates with Virgo, encouraging emotional healing and grounding Virgo’s often analytical tendencies.
Relationship Between Howlite and Chakras
Howlite’s primary connection is with the Crown Chakra, the energy center associated with spirituality, higher knowledge, and connection to the universe.
Crown Chakra: Howlite works to open and balance the Crown Chakra, allowing for a deeper spiritual understanding and a connection to higher consciousness. It helps clear mental clutter, fostering clarity and mindfulness.
Heart Chakra: Though less common, Howlite can also be used with the Heart Chakra to promote patience, forgiveness, and emotional healing.
Relationship Between Howlite and the Chinese Five Phases
In Chinese philosophy, the Five Phases (Wu Xing)—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—represent different elements of nature and energy. Howlite aligns closely with the Earth element due to its grounding and calming properties.
Earth Element: Howlite’s connection to emotional balance and tranquility makes it a perfect match for the Earth element, which symbolizes stability, nourishment, and grounding energy. The stone’s calming effect on emotions mirrors the Earth element’s ability to bring peace and stability to one’s life.
Using Howlite in a Feng Shui setting can promote stability, reduce tension, and foster emotional well-being, all qualities associated with the Earth element.
How to Use Howlite (Cleaning, Maintenance, Purification, Taboos)
Since Howlite is relatively soft (Mohs 3.5), it requires gentle care. Avoid exposing it to chemicals or extreme temperatures, and be cautious when wearing Howlite jewelry to prevent scratching.
Cleaning: Clean Howlite with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage its surface.
Maintenance: Store Howlite separately from harder stones to avoid scratches. Handle with care, especially if using it for carvings or delicate jewelry.
Purification: Cleanse Howlite by smudging with sage or placing it in moonlight. Due to its porosity, avoid soaking Howlite in water for long periods.
How to Choose a Real/Good Howlite
When choosing Howlite, look for stones with natural veining and a soft, smooth texture. Beware of dyed Howlite sold as turquoise, which is a common practice. Genuine Howlite is white with natural grey or black veins, and its calming energy should be immediately noticeable when held.
Popular Products and Related Stones
Howlite is commonly used in meditation tools, jewelry, and decor. Wearing Howlite in a necklace or bracelet keeps its calming energy close to the body, promoting tranquility and emotional balance.
Amethyst pairs well with Howlite for stress relief and spiritual growth.
Rose Quartz complements Howlite’s calming energy, especially when working on emotional healing and love.
Final Thoughts on Howlite
Howlite is a stone of peace, patience, and wisdom. Its calming energy makes it perfect for those seeking to reduce stress, open their minds to new perspectives, or find balance in their emotions. Whether worn as jewelry or used in meditation, Howlite offers a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and embrace serenity in everyday life.