By Chisom Ibemere
Howlite originated in Nova Scotia in the late 1800s and named after its discoverer, a Canadian geologist named Henry How. Its deposits were later found in California, USA.
Howlite is a borate mineral and is predominantly found in sedimentary rocks and It occurs in evaporite deposits with other borate minerals such as borax, colemanite, and ulexite. It also occurs in hydrothermal veins and in volcanic rocks.
Howlite is a white to grey mineral with a porcelaneous or waxy lustre. It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5 and a specific gravity of 2.5 to 2.6. It has a fine and porous texture and is known for its irregular nodular and banded patterns.
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Howlite is used as an ornamental stone and is commonly carved into beads, cabochons, and figurines. It is also used as a decorative stone in building construction and for making small carvings and other decorative items. It is sometimes dyed to resemble other minerals, such as turquoise or coral.
Howlite has several other applications. It is also used in the manufacture of ceramic glazes, in the production of boron compounds, and as a flux in metallurgy. It is also used as a gemstone for spiritual healing and emotional grounding.
The value of Howlite is relatively low compared to other gemstones and ornamental stones. Its value depends on the quality of the material and the demand in the market. Its value is increasing due to its popularity as a metaphysical crystal for healing and spiritual purposes.
Howlite is not easily found in Nigeria and Africa. There are other borate minerals that can be found in Nigeria and Africa, such as Borax and Ulexite. These minerals occur in evaporite deposits, which are prevalent in arid regions such as the Sahara Desert.
