mineral
Dyed howlite (turquoise imitation)
Howlite, Ca₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅; likely dyed blue
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque, vivid blue with dark veining; typically waxy to dull luster and irregular fracture. Howlite has Mohs hardness 3.5 and a monoclinic crystal structure; the photo’s small, smooth shape limits confident identification.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Dyed howlite (turquoise imitation) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Opaque, vivid blue with dark veining; typically waxy to dull luster and irregular fracture. Howlite has Mohs hardness 3.5 and a monoclinic crystal structure; the photo’s small, smooth shape limits confident identification.
Formation & geological history
Howlite forms as a borate mineral in evaporite deposits, commonly in arid environments. The blue color is likely added by dyeing; the specimen’s geological age and source cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Dyed howlite is used in inexpensive beads, jewelry, and decorative objects as a turquoise lookalike; natural white howlite is also collected.
Geological facts
Howlite is porous and readily accepts dye, making it a common turquoise imitation.
Field identification & locations
The bright, uniform blue and dark markings suggest dyed howlite, but turquoise or another treated stone cannot be ruled out from the image alone. Check for dye concentrated in pits or cracks; common sources of howlite include Canada and the United States.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous