Howlite, known for its calming energy and striking appearance, is a gemstone that captures the essence of tranquility and awareness. Characterized by its distinctive white color with gray veining, Howlite is often used in jewelry to promote relaxation, patience, and memory enhancement. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Howlite is believed to possess properties that aid in reducing stress and anger, making it a favorite among those seeking peace and clarity in their lives. This guide explores the potential of Howlite beads in creating jewelry that not only enchants with its serene beauty but also supports the wearer's emotional and spiritual well-being.
History of Howlite
Discovered in 1868 by Canadian chemist Henry How, Howlite was initially found in Nova Scotia and has since been sourced from other parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Its porous nature allows it to be easily dyed, leading to its frequent use as an affordable alternative to more expensive stones like Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli. Despite its use as an imitation stone, Howlite's natural form has gained appreciation for its unique beauty and soothing properties.
Color and Jewelry-Design with Howlite Beads
The natural white color and intricate gray veining of Howlite make it a versatile stone for jewelry design, offering a look that is both elegant and grounding:
- Pairing with silver or platinum findings enhances its cool tones, creating sophisticated and timeless pieces.
- Combining with vibrant gemstones can highlight Howlite's calming presence, allowing the colors of other stones to pop.
- Incorporating into bohemian or earthy designs with natural fibers and wooden beads emphasizes its grounding qualities.
Howlite beads are perfect for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, offering a touch of peaceful elegance to any outfit.
Physical Properties
While Howlite is softer than many gemstones, it is still favored for its porosity and ability to be dyed in various colors. Its properties include:
- Hardness: Howlite has a Mohs hardness of about 3.5, making it relatively soft and best suited for pieces that do not endure heavy wear.
- Luster: It exhibits a sub-vitreous to dull luster, contributing to its understated appeal.
- Transparency: Howlite is typically opaque, which emphasizes the depth and contrast of its vein patterns.
Metaphysical Properties
Howlite is celebrated for its metaphysical properties, believed to:
- Encourage emotional expression and communication.
- Facilitate awareness and mindfulness, aiding in meditation practices.
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and anger, promoting a calm and peaceful mindset.
Healing Properties
In addition to its calming metaphysical attributes, Howlite is also thought to offer healing benefits:
- Assisting in the absorption of calcium into the bones and teeth.
- Supporting healthy sleep patterns and aiding in insomnia relief.
- Encouraging patience and helping to eliminate rage and uncontrolled anger.
Howlite beads offer jewelry designers a beautiful medium to create pieces that are not just visually appealing but also deeply soothing and supportive of emotional well-being. The gentle energy of Howlite, combined with its aesthetic versatility, makes it a wonderful choice for crafting jewelry that resonates with calmness, awareness, and spiritual growth. Let the serene beauty of Howlite inspire your next jewelry project, creating pieces that offer a haven of tranquility and reflection.
