Howlite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Howlite is always opaque in nodules; it is an abundant material and easy to acquire. Sometimes it contains black, threadlike impurities resembling the veining in turquoise. Howlite is frequently dyed blue to resemble turquoise, and it makes a most convincing simulant. The white material is relatively unexciting in appearance.
Optics: a = 1.583-1.586; β= 1.596-1.598; γ= 1.605.
Biaxial (-), 2V large.
Occurrence: Microscopic crystals or nodules occur in arid regions or borate deposits.
California: abundant nodules, up to a weight of several hundred pounds, as at Lang in Los Angeles County Also occurs in the Mohave Desert, California. Nova Scotia: small nodules.
Comments: Howlite is always opaque in nodules; it is an abundant material and easy to acquire. Sometimes it contains black, threadlike impurities resembling the veining in turquoise. Howlite is frequently dyed blue to resemble turquoise, and it makes a most convincing simulant. The white material is relatively unexciting in appearance.
Name: After H. How who described a mineral of approximately the same composition.
