Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
Trouble falling asleep because your brain is working overtime? Feeling angry and out of sorts? Having tooth or bone issues?
Then grab some Howlite and prepare to be amazed!
Round 8 mm dyed Howlite beads
Naturally colorless or opaque white with grey veins, Howlite was discovered in the 1800s by Canadian chemist Henry How. It’s a relatively soft stone — 3.5 on the 1-10 Mohs scale of hardness — so it takes color readily and is often dyed blue or green to mimic turquoise, or red to mimic coral.
Some unscrupulous merchants even try to pass off this beautiful but relatively inexpensive stone as the pricier turquoise or lapis.
The United States, especially California, is the source of most of the world’s Howlite. Its astrological signs are Gemini and Virgo, although it’s not listed as an official birthstone for any month.
Unlike some gemstones, Howlite isn’t cut into facets. Rather, it’s generally tumbled and polished, then cut into cabochons or drilled beads and fashioned into jewelry. It’s said to impart calmness to its wearer. When carried in your pocket, it’s said to diffuse your own anger — or that directed toward you.
Dyed Howlite beaded bracelet (yep, one I made!)
Howlite dissolves in hydrochloric acid. Because it’s so soft, all that’s needed to clean it is a soft cloth and some soapy water. The use of ultrasonic cleaners isn’t advised. Store Howlite separate from other stones in a fabric-lined jewelry box.
Students can benefit from Howlite’s enhancement of the thirst for knowledge. The stone also aids in memory and recall of new information, as well as developing and mastering skills.
It’s said that Howlite helps strengthen bones and teeth and balance calcium levels. Howlite calms negative emotions, increases tact, and promotes calmer confrontations, while easing insomnia and promoting dream recall. Howlite is associated with the crown chakra, but it’s used to balance all the chakras.
As with most things, a strong belief in the power of the stone is needed for its full effectiveness!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
OMYGOSh, Love that bracelet! Is this all true? x
Good question, Kim. Some people really believe that gemstones have healing properties; others tend more toward the scientific and believe in physicians and pharmaceuticals. I imagine a lot of a stone’s worth comes from a person’s belief in it. At the very least, carrying a stone in one’s pocket isn’t likely to *hurt*, especially when compared with the side effect profile of most drugs! And most of us are enlightened enough to know negative thoughts can stimulate physical pain … as well as to realize certain ailments require a professional’s touch. xx
I need a whole case of Howlite. Not for anger but for memory.
HaHa! I love the way Howlite feels — cool and smooth — as well as how beautiful it is to work with. And yes, I do find it calming, especially when I get to feeling anxious about something or other.
🙂
“Dyed Howlite beaded bracelet (yep, one I made!)”
*applause and cheers*
Debbie, that bracelet is absolutely FAB-U-LOUS! I really like the dyed version of the stones and how they are mixed with the un-dyed. Honestly, you did a beautiful job creating that bracelet!
I found this post especially interesting because I really didn’t know that much about Howlite, you really enlightened me. Sounds like a very powerful gemstone!
Thanks so much for sharing these posts, I’m enjoying them a lot!
Have a super SUPER Sunday, my friend!
X
Aw, thanks, Ron. Glad you like it! In fact, I had to visit my dentist today (chipped one of my back molars and needed a refilling). I put my dyed Howlite bracelet on and really and truly didn’t feel any pain from the procedure, so maybe there is some truth to that claim.
It’s interesting to me that Howlite feels so cool when it’s set for a while, but after I’ve worn this bracelet, the stones warm right up. Not enough to feel uncomfortable; more like, a snuggly security blanket!
Hope this will be a lovely week for you! xo
Sure does make beautiful jewelry. I don’t have anger issues or ever have, but I could use it to brighten up my neckline or wrists. Very interesting, Debbie.
Why, thank you, Audrey! You’re lucky not to have anger issues. Since I’m Irish and part Italian, that’s an emotion I struggle over at times. Fortunately, it flares up fast and goes away just as fast!
I’m Welsh and Scottish…we tend to wallow and push in the guilt. 🙂
I’ve heard it’s better to get it all out, but perhaps that was my ancestors’ “excuse” for screaming and throwing things. I’m more of a door-slammer, ha!
That bracelet is absolutely gorgeous. I am so impressed that you can work with gem stones in this way. Amazing!
*blushes* Thank you, Monica! I love playing with beads — the colors, the shapes, the feel of their surfaces — and I appreciate the challenge of putting together something that somebody can wear and enjoy. I guess beading satisfies my urge to create — for sure, it often stimulates my writing!
Well, I need most of those things, especially the memory enhancement! Unfortunately I don’t think it’s the most attractive stone in the world. I think I’ve only seen it dyed to look like turquoise, though fortunately wherever it was that was selling it was honest about it not being real turquoise… (see what I mean about the memory issues…? 😉
You make a good point, FF. It is rather plain, isn’t it? Perhaps that’s why it’s supposed to be beneficial for teeth — because it looks rather toothy, don’t you think? And it’s not as sparkly as something like an emerald or a sapphire!
This is really interesting. I’ve never heard of Howlite, and it is a pretty stone. It’s interesting that it takes color so easily. I’ve never thought that stones could be dyed. I figured they were what they were, and that was it.
I’ve thought about you while traveling through Arkansas. There are crystals mined here of course, and other stones as well. I’ve tried twice to pick up a crystal for you, but the places were closed. Go figure — why would a tourist joint close? Anyway, if I happen upon one tomorrow, I’ll see what I can see. Did you know that they mine diamonds here in Arkansas, too? It’s apparently the only place in the country where the general public can go in and try their luck. I didn’t have time for that, but it would be a fun day on another trip.
Linda, traveling with you would be such a treat — you seem to have the ability to find so many interesting places to stop and browse!! I remember reading that diamonds are mined in Arkansas. It would be FUN to try my luck at finding one!
I’m humbled that you’d think of me on your travels and try to find me some crystals. If you do, I’d graciously accept whatever you found — all of them, of course, have certain properties for healing, as well as just their innate beauty. I know it was my late dad who passed along to me this fascination and love for rocks!
Travel safely, my friend!
Debbie, this was fascinating. It is really amazing that gemstones may have positive effects on health and well being. I would like to try this one for memory (calcium would not hurt, either), like you said, who needs more drugs? The bracelet is so beautiful, I definitely want to locate some Howlite beads
Thanks so much, Lana — high praise from another soul who appreciates the craft of beading jewelry! Howlite beads aren’t hard to find. Just do a Google search, and you’ll come up with lots of places that sell them. Or, if you have a crafting store (like Michael’s), they’re available there, too. Happy hunting!
We do have a Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Ebay is also one of my faves for jewelry supplies. Can’t wait 🙂
I love shopping at Hobby Lobby — it’s always so peaceful, and they have great sales!!
Debbie, do you make layer necklaces? I’m in love with the Panacea Stone Pendant (3 layers). It is on the Nordstrom site, I was thinking of attempting something like that.
We don’t have a Nordstrom’s, so I had to Google this. ‘Tis lovely! Looks like a challenge to make, but we all need a good challenge now and then. Go for it!
I don’t have a Nordstrom’s either, but you can order things online (it might be an outlet). The prices are great, I just ordered a beautiful blouse for less than a Target price :-)…but the jewelry is frequently sold out. I might attempt this over the Xmas holiday break; the tricky thing is finding that stone.
Howlite, interesting. I must admit that’s one gem I’m not familiar.
I imagine it’s not very popular because it’s so soft, Suzi. A porous stone just doesn’t hold up the way, say, a diamond, does. Nor does it have that sparkle factor!
I’m not familiar with howlite – but the “howl” feels appropriate for October and the approach to Halloween. I’m one who believes in the power of stones and understand you saying that belief in their healing abilities is essential. Me? I seem to never have trouble falling asleep……is there a stone for staying awake?
HaHa, good one! I understand that deep red crystals are beneficial for energizing. You might try Red Aventurine or Red Labradorite.
This rather plain stone runs deep. I had no idea. Love the bracelet with the pink interlaced. Why not believe! Very interesting.
Thanks, Kb. Seems it’s always the quiet ones who have so much depth!!
Sounds a bit like worry beads with a restorative punch.
I imagine so, especially if you believe in the healing power of gemstones!