Howlite Beads

Howlite beads are cut from howlite, a white stone with grey web-like veining — popular in its natural form and very often dyed to imitate turquoise.

MaterialHowlite (calcium borate)

OriginUSA, Canada

TechniqueCut & polished stone

Typical size4–10 mm

EraNatural stone

ColorsWhite, dyed blue

Shop all Howlite Beads

What are Howlite Beads?

Howlite beads are cut from howlite, a calcium-borate mineral (Mohs hardness about 3.5) that is naturally chalk-white with grey or black web-like veining. Its porous surface takes dye extremely well, so howlite is very commonly dyed blue to imitate turquoise — often sold as 'white turquoise' or 'howlite turquoise.' In its natural white form it's a calm, attractive stone in its own right.

Types of Howlite Beads

Natural white howlite — white with grey veining.
Dyed blue howlite — colored to imitate turquoise.
Dyed in other colors — red, green, purple.
Magnesite is a similar white stone used the same way.

Howlite Beads meaning & symbolism

Howlite is associated with calm, patience, and relief from stress — often described as a soothing stone that quiets an overactive mind.

History & cultural significance

Howlite was discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1868 by Henry How and is named after him. As an inexpensive, easily dyed stone, it became a widespread turquoise substitute in the 20th century.

Where Howlite Beads come from

Howlite is found mainly in the United States (California) and Canada (Nova Scotia, where it was first discovered).

●USA & Canada

How to identify Howlite Beads

Natural howlite is white with grey veining; dyed blue 'turquoise' is often howlite — a hidden scratch may reveal white beneath the color.
Howlite is soft and lightweight compared with true turquoise.
Even, perfect blue across a whole strand often signals dyed howlite.
Honest sellers label it as howlite, not turquoise.

How they're used

Bracelets and necklaces.
Calming and mala jewelry.
An affordable turquoise alternative.
Jewelry-making and design.

Buying guide

Howlite is inexpensive and versatile — enjoy it in natural white or as affordable dyed blue. Just be aware that dyed howlite is often marketed as turquoise, so buy it for what it is. Choose size and shape and buy by the strand.