THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Howlite
A naturally white borate mineral.
Colors & patterns
White or cream with gray veining; dyed material comes in many colors.
Typical origins
Known sources include Canada and the United States.
Hardness
About 3.5
Choosing & setting this material
Often dyed blue to imitate turquoise. Its softness and porosity favor protected pieces; ask whether color is natural and avoid prolonged soaking.
Care & cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Avoid soaking, acids, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Store separately to protect the surface.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments