Global Gemology - Rare Gems & Jewels
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
  • SERVICES
    • APPRAISALS
    • EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
    • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY

HOWLITE

Picture
Howlite bead bracelet with heart and paw silver tone stations
White and grey howlite bead bracelet
Species:  Howlite
​​Mohs Hardness:  3.5 out of 10
Color:  Semi-translucent to opaque white, often with gray or black matrix.
RI:  1.586 to 1.605 (+/- 0.003) 1.59 spot reading common
Birefringence:  0.019 (Usually not detectable)
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert to moderate orange under LW, brownish yellow under SW
SG:  2.58 (-0.13)

Howlite Facts

Picture
Dyed turquoise howlite and sterling silver ring
Howlite is often used as a turquoise imitation

Howlite is a white, semi-translucent to opaque gem with gray or black matrix.

Howlite is a porous gem that can easily be dyed to a multitude of colors.

Howlite is commonly dyed to imitate turquoise.
All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
  • SERVICES
    • APPRAISALS
    • EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
    • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY