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Howlite Stone Meaning

sheila of satin crystals holding a howlite pointAre you curious about Howlite stone? You've come to the right place. Learn all about Howlite crystals, from geological facts to metaphysical healing properties.

Howlite is the soothing stone that directs you on your right path in life. Cut out the distractions and focus your Crown chakra to stay on track.

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Watch the Howlite Video


Watch the 
Howlite Meaning Video for an overview of this smart crystal. We look at Howlite's properties, glow, and answer your top 5 questions on the stone. 

While you are there, watch the entire A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video series. We answer your questions on all of the most popular crystals. You can also post your questions and stories directly to the Youtube comments.

Can you benefit from Howlite crystals?

You may benefit from Howlite crystals if you can relate to any of the following:

  • You are seeking a positive path in life

  • You want to open your Crown chakra

  • You want a neutral-toned crystal to match any outfit

  • You are seeking a stone for patience

  • You are attracted to white crystals

  • You need a yin-yang balance

  • You want to break a bad habit

  • You seek a fresh start and new beginnings

  • Your mind is racing

    What is Howlite?

    Howlite is an opaque, snow-white, marble-like crystal with irregular gray mineral veins. 

    Finding Howlite in crystal formation is extremely rare. It is usually found in nodules resembling cauliflower heads.

    It is a relatively soft stone but it is found in tumbled stones, polished figurines, and jewelry pieces. 

    hand holding white howlite tumbled stones

    What is Howlite good for?

    In crystal healing, Howlite is known for its minimalist energy. Its clean white tone clears the slate for your mind while its trickling gray veins give you a path to follow. It is popularly used to find the path you are meant to be walking in this life. 

    Howlite provides you with clarity on your future path, your true goals, and where you should be heading. It is a great stone to work on the Crown chakra, connecting you with your Higher Self. When you are spiritually connected, you will have all the pure answers from your subconscious mind. It also roots you to the earth through its dark veins. Balance both Crown and Root with Howlite. 

    Here are other spiritual properties of Howlite:

    • Howlite can slow the overactive mind and help you achieve deep and restful sleep.

    • Howlite is a soothing stone for the mind, helping to reduce anger.

    • Howlite is used to break bad habits and create healthy new beginnings.
    man and woman back to back meditating with howlite spheres

    How do you use Howlite for healing?

    Here are some ideas on how to use your Howlite crystals in healing:

    • Meditate with Howlite spheres to connect with the Higher Realms

    • Place Howlite figurines in a room where you want a more relaxed energy

    • Wear Howlite jewelry to stay productive on your daily goals and manifestations

    • Rub a polished Howlite stone when you feel anger rising

      • Place Howlite on your Third Eye when you want to calm racing thoughts

      • Lie in a crystal grid with Howlite at the top of your head, below your sacral, and at both feet to find a balance between the two portals of your body (Crown and Root chakras)

      • If you are feeling restless or anxious, use a Howlite wand to physically massage the tension and metaphysically direct the energy away from your body

      • Place Howlite under your pillow or by your bedside for a relaxing sleep

      • Carry Howlite with you whenever you are going into anxiety-causing situations to remind you of your inner strength

      • Repeat your habit-breaking mantra while holding a Howlite pyramid for thirty days straight

      • Wear Howlite earrings to balance left and right side brain energy

      • If you work at a desk, wear Howlite bracelets and rings to have a constant reminder that you are on the right path of positivity

      • Gift a Howlite heart to a new love or someone going through a new beginning

      • Place a Howlite star at your Crown chakra during spiritual regressions to help access past lives
      hand holding rough and polished howlite star

      How do you clean Howlite?

      Howlite can be washed in water but don't use any harsh chemicals. Saltwater is not recommended as it is more abrasive, especially if your Howlite is polished. The Calcite component of Howlite makes it susceptible to damage from sand, dust, acidic sweat, and chemical cleaners. 

      You should still be careful using the water method if your Howlite is in its raw form, dyed, or has any natural fracture lines within its polished form. In this case, we recommend gently cleaning the crystal with a soft cloth. 

      Howlite should be kept separate from harder stones and jewelry if you want to avoid scratches or damage. 

      If you are looking to metaphysically cleanse, charge, and program crystals, visit our Crystal Care guide. 

      How do you charge Howlite?

      Howlite likes to be charged in the moonlight. After cleansing, place your crystal in a garden, balcony, or on your windowsill throughout the night. It will be recharged and ready to use in the morning!

      Can you shower with Howlite jewelry?

      Showering with Howlite is not recommended. Prolonged and repetitive water will wear down your Howlite's polish, structure, and jewelry components. You may also get a build-up from your soaps and shampoos.

      Remove your Howlite jewelry before showering, swimming, or washing the dishes. 

      sheila of satin crystals holding a howlite point to her crown chakra

      Sheila's Personal Experience with Howlite

      I am not attracted to pure white stones, but I love Howlite because of its unique gray inclusions. My first experience with Howlite was many years ago when I offloaded a whole box of rough California Howlite stones from a vendor at a gem show. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but they were so cool. Those that know me, know I love rough stones unlike my sister Lisa.

      I was mesmerized thinking that these snow-white stones came from the dirty earth!

      Over the years, the Howlites from my box have been sold and gifted. Some still reside in the soil of my potted plants...getting dirty again.

      hands holding howlite spheres

      Lisa's Personal Experience with Howlite

      When I hear the name Howlite, I am reminded of a wolf howling at a big white moon. I did not know that Howlite was named after its founder until I edited this very article you're reading (written by Sheila). 

      However, when I write about Howlite, I picture a mountain in the still of nature, with freshly fallen snow atop, touched by no one. It is a crystal with a serene, spiritual, and vast energy.

      Howlite is special to me because it is one of the few opaque white stones. When I want to work on divine connection that goes even beyond the Crown Chakra, I turn to Howlite. It is angelic and pure, in a dimension of its own.

      I like Howlite in both jewelry and stones. For me, the pictures formed by the gray veining is what makes it fascinating. You can gaze into the lines and it leads you to a place beyond the here and now. It is tranquility.

      What chakra does Howlite heal?

      Howlite is connected with the Crown and Root chakras. Its white surface purifies your connection with your higher realms while its dark veins root you to the physical world. 

      The whiter pieces of Howlite are especially beneficial at the Crown chakra and the veinier pieces are best at the Root chakra. 

      To learn more about crystals and your seven chakras, visit the Chakra Guide.

      Where should you put Howlite in your home?

      In the home, Howlite can be kept in the kitchen, dining room, or living room for group harmony. Place this peaceful stone wherever you have friends and family gatherings. 

      For Feng Shui energy, place Howlite in the "Knowledge & Growth" bottom left corner of your home. For more on placing crystals, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals

      Howlite Article

      What are the mineral facts of Howlite?

      Howlite is a white stone with gray veins or webbing. It is a 3.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Its scientific name is Silico Boro Calcite. 

      Surface Color: White, Gray

      Streak Color (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White

      Group: Borates

      Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystals structure): None

      Fracture: Conchoidal (clam-like concave like when glass breaks) to Even

      Luster: Dull, sometimes Vitreous (glassy)

      Transparency: Translucent in thin splinters (allows light through the crystal but is not fully transparent) otherwise Opaque

      Crystal System: Monoclinic (Three axes, all of them are unequal in length. Two of them are at right angles to each other, while the third lies at an angle other than 90°)

      Crystal Habit: Nodules (resembling cauliflowers)

      Hardness: 3.5

      Where is Howlite found?

      Howlite is most commonly found in California but is also found in  Canada, Turkey, Mexico, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Pakistan, Namibia, and Germany. Howlite is found when mining in borate deposits. It is a byproduct of mining for other minerals like Gypsum. 

      Where was Howlite first discovered?

      Howlite was first discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1868 by a Canadian mineralogist, Henry How. He called the stone Silico-Boro-Calcite but it was later named after him by an American geologist James Dwight Dana. 

      man and woman wearing howlite bear necklaces

      Is Howlite found in jewelry?

      Howlite makes gorgeous and versatile jewelry pieces for its unisex appeal. Its white and gray colors provide a neutral base and are easy to match with any outfit. 

      The handsome stone takes a nice polish and can be found in all sorts of jewelry pieces from necklaces to bracelets to cufflinks. Here at Satin Crystals, our Howlite bracelets, rings, and necklaces are some of the most popular jewelry pieces both for their looks and healing properties.

      What are Howlite bracelets good for?

      Howlite bracelets are a physical reminder of your metaphysical intentions. Program the stones for your manifesting desires and whenever you look down at your bracelet you will think of your goals. 

      Wear one Howlite bracelet on each wrist or stack them up. Not only are they metaphysically energizing, but the crystal jewels are mesmerizing to gaze upon. Be a beacon of positivity for yourself and everyone around you. 

      Can you wear Howlite every day?

      You can wear Howlite every day, but keep in mind that it is a softer stone and may wear down with extensive use, environmental factors, and chemicals or sweat from your body. 

      If you have dyed Howlite, the color may fade, the chemicals may absorb into your skin, and the stone may break easier. 

      Does Howlite scratch or break easily? 

      Howlite is a softer stone, so it can scratch easily. Luckily, its white surface does not make the scratches as obvious as it would on darker stones. 

      Howlite can break upon impact. Handle with care. In metaphysical circles, broken crystals could mean that it has absorbed too much energy and has done their job or you need a stronger piece. 

      Find out what else your broken Howlite could mean in crystal healing: Broken or Lost Crystal Meanings.

      How can you tell a fake Howlite?

      Luckily for us, Howlite is rarely faked. Howlite is relatively affordable and abundant, so there is no benefit in imitating the stone.

      If you are doubting the authenticity of your Howlite, here are a few tips: 

      • To tell Howlite apart from plastic, you can press a hot pin to the surface. If it is plastic, it will melt and smell. 

      • Check the veins on your Howlite stone. If they are real, they will be ingrained within the white stone. If they are fake, they will be painted on top of the stone. 

      • Howlite is a 3.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It will easily be scratched by glass, but glass will not be scratched by Howlite. 

      magnesite heart pendant and howlite slab pendant

      How can you tell Howlite from Magnesite?

      Magnesite may be passed off as Howlite. They are very hard to tell apart. Many articles on Howlite will say that Howlite is the same as Magnesite. It is not! 

      Howlite and Magnesite are very similar in appearance. They are both white with dark veins and even have the same hardness range on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. They are both porous and often dyed to imitate Turquoise. 

      • The white of Howlite is usually brighter and cleaner whereas Magnesite is duller in appearance. Magnesite may have more of an off-white look and brown veins whereas Howlite's veins are most usually gray. This is just a general observation and not a rule. Many Howlite and Magnesite pieces are indistinguishable from each other using your naked eye.

      • Magnesite comes in more colors than Howlite whereas Howlite only comes in white.

        • Some people claim you can tell the difference between the two stones with your tongue. This has not been tested by Satin Crystals, so proceed at your own risk. You would need the raw version of the stones. Supposedly, the rough Magnesite will stick to your tongue while rough Howlite would not.

        • There are also some claims that Magnesite and Howlite will fluoresce different colors under UV light, but there is no definitive guide as to what to expect. Depending on the stone and the UV wavelength, the glowing colors could vary widely.

        • An advanced test would be to place the powder of both crystals in hydrochloric acid. The Magnesite powder would bubble whereas the Howlite would not. 

        • Howlite does not break along a clean line whereas Magnesite does. Therefore Howlite does not have a cleavage, while Magnesite has a perfect grade cleavage. 

        • A refractometer will show Howlite to have a refractive index of 1.583-1.608 and Magnesite to have 1.509-1.700

        Chemically, Howlite is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide mineral and Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral. You will need advanced gemological tests to determine Howlite from Magnesite if your home tests are inconclusive. Gemologists can test for cleavage, refractive index, etc. 

        hand holding rough howlite and turquoise

        Is Howlite a Turquoise?

        Howlite is not Turquoise, but you may also see Howlite mislabeled as White Turquoise. This makes the stone more valuable because Turquoise is more popular and well-known compared to Howlite.

        Dying Howlite blue or green color allows uneducated or deceptive vendors to sell Howlite as Turquoise. Keep in mind that Real Turquoise is a 5-6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, much harder than the Howlite's 3.5. Howlite is easy to dye and has the natural webbing that is characteristics of Turquoise, making it a cheap alternative to create and pass off as Real Turquoise. 

        Dyed Howlite imitating Turquoise can be sold under the trade name Turquenite. 

        Is Howlite and White Buffalo the same stone?

        Howlite and White Buffalo are not the same stone. White Buffalo is a white stone surrounded by black and brown Chert. 

        Whereas Howlite is abundant, White Buffalo comes only from one mine in Nevada and has distinct white and black patterns. It is patchier than the veins of Howlite. Webbing patterns like the ones seen in Howlite are not as common in White Buffalo and if they are seen, they are very pricey. 

        White Buffalo is also not a Turquoise although it is often misrepresented by the name White Buffalo Turquoise. 

        Actual white varieties of Turquoise are much chalkier than White Buffalo and Howlite. Real White Turquoise is soft and crumbly at a 1 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It needs to be stabilized to be used in jewelry whereas White Buffalo and Howlite do not. True White Turquoise will have a tinge of blue or green that will not be seen in your other two stones. 

        Is Howlite dyed?

        Howlite is often dyed in a range of colors. This is to imitate other stones or simply to expand the range of options for the customer. Howlite is most popularly dyed blue-green to imitate Turquoise, dark blue to imitate Lapis Lazuli, and red to imitate Coral. 

        As long as you know that you are buying a dyed stone, there's no problem. It is when you are purchasing a dyed stone under the assumption that it is a more valuable stone is when the deception kicks in. Always educate yourself before buying crystals!

        Because Howlite is a porous stone, it is easy to dye and is often found in a lot of gaudy colors passed off as other gemstones. Please always buy from reputable gem dealers if you want real Howlite. Pure Howlite should always be in its white formation! 

        dyed howlite kangaroo pendant

        How can you tell if Howlite is dyed?

        If your Howlite is any color but white with gray veins, it is dyed. The dye may seep when placed in acetone unless they have coated the dyed Howlite with resin. 

        A more extreme way to test if your Howlite is dyed would be to break it open and see if it is white inside. Most of the time the dye will not seep past the surface of the stone. 

        Can Howlite be pure white?

        Howlite's main surfaces are white. If you happen to have a piece that is cut  between the gray veins, your stone could be pure white. 

        woman holding howlite tower with lapis and aventurine wands pointed at her

        What stone goes well with Howlite?

        If you are looking to pair your Howlite with other stones in healing, here are some good crystal combinations: 

        Amethyst and Howlite are a recommended pair when you are seeking spiritual serenity. Both of these crystals are about contacting your Higher Self and trusting that you have all of the right answers if you listen to your intuition. Use Howlite at your Crown chakra and Amethyst at your Third Eye chakra and bypass your ego's tricky thoughts. 

        Bloodstone and Howlite are a great combination when working on your manifestation rituals. Bloodstone is a stone of bold courage, helping you to forge ahead in life without fear. Howlite keeps you on your rightful path. Together clarify your desires and help you manifest during this lifetime.

        Jade and Howlite come together to bring you the energy of abundance. Howlite helps you to change your habits, and in this case, your mindset toward abundance. Jade is a stone of prosperity. Use the two to attract the love, the money, and the lifestyle you desire. 

        Jet and Howlite is a crystal pair used to balance yin and yang energy. Jet connects you to the core of the Earth while Howlite reaches for the white clouds in the sky. Work with this combination when you are feeling imbalance. Jet will provide you with assertive, masculine, yang energy while Howlite will level it out with its gentle, steady, feminine, yin energy. 

        Moonstone and Howlite work with your intuitive energy. Moonstone connects with your psychic abilities while Howlite connects with your subconscious thoughts. Use this combination when you are learning to let go of ego and obsessive thoughts for trust in your natural abilities.  

        Obsidian and Howlite are about protecting the positive aspects of your life. Obsidian helps to transmute negative energy to positive while Howlite keeps you steady on your path. Let Obsidian shield you from unwanted energies while Howlite keeps you focused in a bubble of positivity. 

        Red Jasper and Howlite bring a spark of joy to your life. Red Jasper shines with bright, earthly energy, while Howlite shines with bright, heavenly energy. Use the two to balance your zest for life with your connection to your Higher Self. 

        Rose Quartz and Howlite bring patience in love. Rose Quartz flows at the Heart chakra, opening you to love energy. Howlite brings in the white light and inner knowledge from your Higher Self. Together they teach you to be kind to yourself and have faith that all of the love you deserve will follow. 

        These are just a few popular Howlite crystal combinations. The pairings are unlimited and we encourage you to experiment. Read more in What Crystals Work Well Together?

        sheila of satin crystals holding two howlite wands pointed away from her

        Does Howlite help with stress?

        Howlite helps reduce stress levels. It is a calming stone popular for its relaxing energy. It is used for those who are feeling anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. 

        When you first receive your Howlite stone, make sure to cleanse, charge, and program the crystal for your healing intentions. In this case, you will want to program it with stress-reducing mantras. 

        If you are on the go, carry a polished piece of Howlite to rub as a worry stone. This could also be in the form of a Howlite pendant or ring. 

        If you have more time, hold a Howlite sphere or egg and meditate. Calm your mind and focus on Howlite's white light. You can also lie in a crystal layout surrounded by Howlite stones, providing a heavenly net of relaxation. 

        What does Howlite mean in divination?

        Drawing Howlite in a gemstone divination session means:

        It's time to get back on track to walk the positive path you were meant for in this life.

        Use Howlite to steer you back on a positive progression of your life path. Meditate with Howlite stones, wear Howlite jewelry, and surround your space with Howlite figurines to remind you not to be distracted from your goals of a successful and happy life. Each moment counts and with Howlite you can breathe deep knowing that you are making the most of it. 

        Is Howlite for safe travel?

        Howlite can be programmed for safe travel. Because it represents stillness, Howlite can be your point of stability, your calm in the middle of the chaotic new worlds during your journeys. 

        Wear Howlite jewelry or keep Howlite tumbled stones in your backpack, purse, or pocket during your travels to remind you to keep level-headed and follow common sense despite the wild freedoms you may be experiencing. 

        Is Howlite a grounding stone?

        Howlite is not a traditional grounding stone because of its famous white color, but the gray veins do have grounding qualities. When using Howlite for grounding, try to find the stones with the most webbing. These natural veins remind you to root into the earth and connect with grounding energy. 

        Is Howlite good for patience?

        Howlite is a good stone to use to develop patience. Its calming energy slows your mind and helps you see the Big Picture. In this Big Picture, you come to realize that time stands still. Your path has been destined, and you just have to follow it without distractions. 

        Use Howlite when you are feeling frustrated, annoyed, or mad. Hold your Howlite crystal and absorb its quiet, steady energy. Remember to breathe deep and let your worries melt. Remind yourself that your current mood is a passing thought and if you practice patience, all of the positive vibrations will be attracted back into your life. 

        magnesite pendant in bluelight uv flashlight

        Does Howlite glow?

        Howlite can glow a blue, yellowish-white, or off-white color under shortwave UV light. It will not always fluoresce, it just depends on the crystal when it was formed. 

        Is Howlite dangerous?

        There are no known dangers attached to natural Howlite. However, if you have dyed Howlite, you may have some unwanted chemicals in the coloring process.

        What is Angel Aura Howlite?

        Angel aura is a vaporized gold, silver, and/or platinum treatment sprayed over stones to give them a rainbow glow. The Howlite may be natural, but the angel aura effect is manmade. Because they are treated with natural metals, some may argue that the angel aura treatment is also natural. 

        sheila of satin crystals holding pile of raw howlite

        Ready to buy Howlite?

        Howlite is a positive addition to your crystal healing collection. Shop the Howlite Collection at Satin Crystals or buy your favorite pieces right here:

        Your Howlite Journeys

        Continue on your Howlite journeys with the following guides:

        Howlite Reference Guides

        Howlite Shopping Guides

        Grow with Satin Crystals

        man and woman holding howlite spheres

        Are you attracted to Howlite?

        Have you used Howlite in your healing practice? Do you wear Howlite jewelry? We would love to hear your positive comments and questions. Feel free to write to us below and we will get back to you. 

        Disclaimer: The information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.