Howlite

Howlite is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide (Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5) Originally found in Nova Scotia. Howlite is a bright white stone. Howlite may be just pure white or have gray to brown veins. Howlite is easily dyed and is often used as a cheap substitute for Turquoise and other stones such as lapis, coral or sugilite. Some times dishonest dealers label these dyed stones as genuine. Howlite is a rather soft stone at a Mohs hardness of 3.5. Southern California is one of the few places in the world where Howlite is found. Howlite has also been called white Turquoise or White Buffalo Turquoise.