mineral

Pink Howlite (Dyed)

Dyed Howlite / Silicoborocalcite (Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5)

Hardness: 3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Soft pink with dark grey, brown, or white spiderweb-like veining (dyed from naturally white/grey howlite). Luster: Vitreous to dull, polished smooth. Monoclinic crystal system. Cleavage: None visible in massive form.

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous to dull, polished smooth

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Howlite forms in evaporite deposits, primarily in arid lake basins from boron-rich thermal waters. Native white howlite is extracted and commercially dyed pink to imitate pink turquoise or pink coral.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in fashion jewelry, beads, wire-wrapped pendants, lapidary carvings, and decorative polished stones.

Geological facts

Natural howlite is opaque white or ivory with grey or black spiderweb matrix. Because it is porous and soft, it is widely dyed in vibrant colors such as turquoise blue, bright pink, red, and purple for costume jewelry.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive webbed or matrix pattern beneath a bright pink dyed surface. Soaking a small edge in acetone or rubbing alcohol may remove dye on low-quality pieces. Native deposits are notably found in California (USA) and Nova Scotia (Canada).

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