Howlite, also known as magnesite, is mostly soft white with gray veining throughout although it has also been found occasionally colorless.
It is most known for it’s ability to aid insomnia sufferers due to it’s emotional and calming benefits. It is associated with both the crown and root chakras so is both able to help keep grounded while remaining connected to higher sources.
Howlite is often used to counterfeit turquoise. It readily accepts dye and is often dyed blue, or called derivatives of White Buffalo Turquoise. There is a white variety of turquoise, however, but it is very soft, about 1 on the hardness scale, requiring stabilization to use in jewelry.
Zodiac: Gemini
Element: Air
Chakra: Root, Crown
Number: 2
Planet: Moon
The Science
Category: Inoborates
Formula: Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5
IMA symbol: How
Strunz classification: 6.CB.20
Dana classification: 25.3.5.1
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal class: Prismatic (2/m)
Space group: P21/c
Unit cell: a = 12.82 Å, b = 9.351(1) Å
c = 8.608(2) Å; β = 104.84(2)°; Z = 4
Color: White, colorless
Crystal habit: Massive to nodular, occurs as tabular prisms flattened parallel
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal, uneven
Mohs scale hardness: 3.5
Luster: Subvitreous, glimmering
Streak: white
Diaphaneity: Translucent
Specific gravity: 2.53 – 2.59
Optical properties: Biaxial (-), colorless (transmitted light)
Refractive index: nα = 1.583 – 1.586 nβ = 1.596 – 1.598 nγ = 1.600
Birefringence: δ = 0.017
2V angle: 73°