HOWLITE

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

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)