mineral
Dyed Howlite (Purple)
Calcium Borosilicate Hydroxide (Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5)
Hardness: 3.5; Color: Dyed bright purple with dark matrix; Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; SG: 2.5
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- Dyed bright purple with dark matrix
- Luster
- Sub-vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5; Color: Dyed bright purple with dark matrix; Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; SG: 2.5
Formation & geological history
Formed in evaporite deposits in arid environments. Most howlite is colorless or white and is often dyed to imitate other stones due to its porous nature.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, as decorative tumbles, and in metaphysical practices. It is a very common 'imitation' stone for turquoise or charoite when dyed.
Geological facts
Natural howlite is white with gray-black veins. Because it is highly porous, it can absorb dye easily, allowing it to mimic rare stones like turquoise (blue) or charoite (purple).
Field identification & locations
Identify by its softness (it can be scratched by a copper coin) and the 'crackled' matrix. Real charoite has a silky, chatoyant texture, whereas dyed howlite looks like colored ceramic.
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