Blue Howlite (Dyed)

Hardness: 3.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid blue (artificially dyed), Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, Cleavage: None visible in tumbled form

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.

Mainly used for decorative purposes, jewelry (as a turquoise substitute), and in metaphysical or crystal healing practices.

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'.

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.