mineral
Blue Howlite (Dyed)
Calcium Borosilicate Hydroxide (Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5)
Hardness: 3.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid blue (artificially dyed), Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, Cleavage: None visible in tumbled form
- Hardness
- 3
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid blue (artificially dyed), Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, Cleavage: None visible in tumbled form
Formation & geological history
Howlite is a borate mineral usually found in evaporite deposits. The specimen shown has been tumbled and artificially dyed bright blue to resemble turquoise; the natural color is white with grey veins.
Uses & applications
Mainly used for decorative purposes, jewelry (as a turquoise substitute), and in metaphysical or crystal healing practices.
Geological facts
Howlite is extremely porous, which allows it to absorb dye very easily. Because of its dark spider-web veining, dyed howlite is very frequently sold as a cheaper imitation of turquoise, often nicknamed 'Turquenite'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for white patches where the dye has failed to penetrate deep scratches. It is much softer than real turquoise (which is Mohs 5-6) and can be scratched by a copper penny or a knife. Common sources include Nova Scotia and California.
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