Howlite is calcium borosilicate hydroxide. Howlite is a borate mineral found in evaporite sites. It has a hardness of 3.5 on Moh’s scale.

Howlite was discovered in 1868 by Henry How near Windsor Nova Scotia. He was a Canadian chemist, geologist, and mineralogist. The most common form of howlite is irregular nodules, sometimes resembling cauliflower. The nodules are white with fine grey or black veins in a web-like pattern. They are opaque with a sub-vitreous luster.

Crystals of howlite are rare. They were first reported from Tick Canyon, California, and later from Iona, Nova Scotia. Crystals reach a maximum size of about 1 cm. The crystals at Iona are colorless, white or brown and are either transparent or translucent.

Howlite is used to make small carvings or jewelry components. Because of its porous texture, howlite can be easily dyed to imitate other minerals, especially turquoise. The superficial similarity of the veining patterns helps in this deception. The dyed howlite is marketed as turquenite.

Natural Howlite is sold as “white turquoise” or “white buffalo turquoise,” or “white buffalo stone.”