Properties and Virtues of Howlite

Howlite is a stone that symbolizes wisdom. It plays the role of a guide toward stability, awareness, responsibility and success. This mineral is also an ally of health, as it purifies the body and aids digestion. Jewelers and crystal healing practitioners alike have made this stone an essential gift of nature.

The mineral properties of howlite

Howlite is a porous magnesite of a white color. Its mineralogical characteristics make it well suited to dyeing, hence its widespread use in jewelry and decoration.

Group	Borates
Crystal system	Monoclinic
Composition	Calcium borosilicate hydroxide
Colors	White, colorless, with grey veins
Density	2.6
Hardness	3.5
Transparency	Translucent
Luster	Subvitreous
Forms	Flattened tabular prisms
Deposits	United States, Austria, Germany, Italy

The main varieties of howlite

Howlite stone is itself a variety of magnesite. Its porosity makes it an ideal stone for coloring. It is therefore commonly enhanced in turquoise tones that give it a resemblance to the mineral of the same name. Once dyed, it is often called “turquenite” and used to make jewelry.

Howlite jewelry and objects

Etymology

This stone was identified in the 18th century by a Canadian chemist named Henry How. It was while working in the gypsum quarries of Nova Scotia that he spotted this whitish-toned mineral, still little known at the time. Later, the American geologist James Dwight Dana gave it the name howlite in tribute to the work of Henry How.

The history of howlite

A recent discovery

Officially discovered in the 19th century, the ancient origins and uses of this stone are little known. Mystery therefore surrounds the knowledge that ancient peoples may have had of its properties. It seems, however, that howlite was already part of the rites and beliefs of Native Americans. Used by shamans to treat many ailments, it was worn around the neck as a pendant.

A transformed stone

Often artificially colored, as its porous composition allows, howlite then takes the name turquenite. It is particularly prized by makers of costume jewelry. It is also a mineral perfectly suited to the design of decorative objects. Less expensive than turquoise, it allows as many people as possible to enjoy its aesthetic qualities.

Howlite and crystal healing

From the rites of Native Americans to the professionalization of lithotherapy, howlite is regarded as a stone with remarkable benefits for numerous physical and psychological ailments.

The properties of howlite in lithotherapy

Howlite generally symbolizes a feeling of peace, wisdom and stability. As a result, this stone is commonly chosen to accompany life’s major decisions, to strengthen a sense of responsibility and to guide the mind toward what is right.

It brings its beneficial properties to the brow chakra, also known as the third eye chakra. In its optimal state of openness, this chakra is a source of clairvoyance, awareness and lucidity. Conversely, people who are psychologically burdened, or narrow-minded, likely suffer from a blocked brow chakra. Howlite promotes mental openness and access to a higher clarity of thought.

Among the astrological signs, it is Virgos and Geminis who develop the strongest bonds with this mineral. Their traits and temperament carry vibrations similar to the stone’s properties.

Virtues against ailments of physical origin

An aid to digestion

According to lithotherapy, howlite has properties that are essential to the proper functioning of digestion. By regulating the functions of the main organs, such as the liver and stomach, it enables the optimal processing of food. The body is thereby strengthened through the correct assimilation of nutrients and cleansed of toxins, which are quickly eliminated.

The stone also helps the body balance gastric acidity, limit water retention and combat excess fat. Through all these associated functions, howlite is credited with a significant effect on the effectiveness of diets. People affected by excess weight can therefore complement their nutritional efforts with the contributions of this mineral.

A detox function

The stone also known as white magnesite has, as a notable health benefit, a cleansing action. It stimulates the circulation of flows to optimize the elimination of particles harmful to the human body. The result is a purified body that is better balanced in terms of energy.

A beauty stone

Since it cleanses the body and improves the functioning of the digestive system, it is natural that the use of howlite should have general repercussions on the body’s appearance. Indeed, this stone is reputed for its effect on beauty, particularly of the skin. It activates cell renewal and the elimination of toxins, which improves the elasticity, hydration and appearance of the epidermis.

Virtues against ailments of psychic and psychological origin

A force of stability

The main quality of howlite, when it comes to acting on the human mental state, is centered on stability. Its vibratory powers radiate a calm energy that promotes serenity and moderation. As a result, it is wholeheartedly adopted by those who suffer from bouts of anger, agitation and nervousness. The stone helps its user recover the grounding and tranquility that lead to wisdom.

A good counselor

Faced with great responsibilities or difficult decisions to make, trusting in the benefits of howlite is an excellent choice. It has a tendency to ground the mind so as to offer it the calm and balance needed to reach clear ideas. Its user, strengthened by newfound clairvoyance and a powerful foundation of stability, is thus in an ideal position to make important choices.

A stone of serenity

The calm, stability and awareness developed through closeness to the stone can only lead to an ideal state of serenity. Regaining tranquility and peace, a person can then push back their fears and mental agitation to establish greater inner coherence.

The path to success

Lithotherapy also credits howlite with the extraordinary ability to carry its user toward success. Combining grounding and the capacity for decision-making, it serves as a wise guide toward the choices and paths that lead to success, whatever form it may take.

Which stones should be combined with howlite?

To amplify its beneficial properties, howlite can be combined with other minerals. Harmonious pairings are recommended, both in terms of color and vibratory powers. As a source of stability and clairvoyance, this stone will be all the more powerful alongside hematite, citrine or red jasper.

How to cleanse and recharge howlite?

Like any therapeutic stone, howlite requires suitable care and maintenance. To cleanse it, simply immerse it in distilled water. It can then be recharged by exposing it to sunlight. You can also place it on a cluster of quartz, which will amplify the quality of the recharge.