mineral

Blue-dyed magnesite beads (often sold as “turquoise howlite”)

Magnesite, MgCO₃; commonly dyed blue and possibly marketed as dyed howlite, Ca₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished spherical beads with pale blue color and brown-gray matrix veining; dull to waxy luster, trigonal carbonate structure, Mohs hardness about 3.5–4.5 (magnesite) or 3–3.5 (howlite), and specific gravity roughly 2.5–3.1.…

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

Explore Blue-dyed magnesite beads (often sold as “turquoise howlite”) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Blue-dyed magnesite beads (often sold as “turquoise howlite”)
Scientific name: Magnesite, MgCO₃; commonly dyed blue and possibly marketed as dyed howlite, Ca₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅
Category: mineral
Identified: August 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a strand of common beads; roughly $20–$100 for a finished bracelet or necklace, depending on workmanship.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Magnesite forms by alteration of magnesium-rich rocks and carbonate precipitation; howlite forms in borate-rich evaporite environments. These beads are human-processed, polished, and likely dyed; the source material is generally Cenozoic or older depending on deposit.

Uses & applications

Used for inexpensive jewelry, beads, carvings, and decorative objects. They are turquoise substitutes, not typically valuable gemstones.

Geological facts

Blue dye may concentrate along fractures and wear away at drilled holes or scratched areas. A vinegar or dilute-acid test can fizz on magnesite, but it may damage the finish and is best avoided.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include China, Africa, and the western United States for related magnesite/howlite materials. Check drilled holes for white interiors, test hardness cautiously with a steel needle, and distinguish from turquoise, which is generally harder and more compact.