Used for centuries as a symbol of wealth, status, and beauty, as well as a means of spiritual and physical healing, white howlite has gone by many names and descriptions.
What Is Howlite?
Howlite is a mineral that has been used by the ancient Chinese for thousands of years to make beautiful, high-quality ceramics and porcelain.
Howlite is an important ingredient in making fine ceramic products such as vases, plates, cups, bowls, tiles, figurines, and jewelry.
The History Of Howlite
The first recorded use of howlite occurred during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), when Emperor Wu Ti ordered his craftsmen to create a new type of pottery.
This new form of ceramic was made with a combination of clay and howlite.
During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), howlite became very popular among the elite because it was considered to be one of the most valuable minerals on earth.
During this time period, people believed that if they were wealthy enough, they could buy any object they wanted, including precious metals, jewels, pearls, and even exotic animals.
However, no matter how much money you had, there was nothing better than owning a piece of howlite.
During the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), howlite continued to become more and more popular. People began to believe that howlite was a gift from heaven.
They thought that if they owned howlite, then they would be blessed with good health, wealth, and happiness.
As a result, many people began to hoard howlite. By 1279, the price of howlite had skyrocketed so high that only the wealthiest families could afford it.
In 1392, the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD) started using howlite again. But instead of being used to make pots and dishes, they used it to make paper. Because of its whiteness, it was perfect for writing on.
In the western world, howlite was discovered by (and named for) Henry How, a Canadian chemist, geologist, and mineralogist at a site near Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1868.
Alerted to the mineral by miners in a gypsum quarry, who found the presence of howlite to be a hindrance to their mining.
He initially named it silico-boro-calcite, before it was renamed howlite shortly thereafter by American geologist James Dwight Dana.
Historically, dealers of minerals have used howlite as an “imitation stone”, as its white color lent itself to being dyed a variety of colors and shades.
Perhaps most commonly to create fake turquoise to be used as jewelry.
This worked perfectly for jewelry makers, as howlite is a much stronger, denser mineral than turquoise, which in itself is brittle and of lower density, making mistakes more commonplace during the carving process.
We know that you, like us, are fascinated by all the intangible things that make life magical
What Is The Geological Make-Up Of Howlite?
Howlite is a member of the borosilicate group of minerals. Borosilicates are composed of silicon, oxygen, aluminum, and other elements. The name “borosilicate” comes from the Greek word “Boros” which means “white stone.”
Howlite occurs in two forms: monoclinic and orthorhombic. Monoclinic crystals have a single crystal structure.
Orthorhombic crystals have multiple crystal structures. In addition, both types of howlite can occur in either white or yellowish colors.
Monoclinic crystals of howlite are usually prismatic, but sometimes rhombohedral. These crystals are usually colorless, although some may be colored pale green, pink, red, blue, purple, brown, gray, or black.
Orthorhombic crystals of howlite tend to be elongated, flat, and needle-shaped. They are usually yellowish in color, although some may also be colorless.
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Howlite?
The meaning of howlite is determined by what it represents. It is a symbol of purity, innocence, and lightness.
Therefore, it is associated with peace, love, and joy. When we think about howlite, we should always remember that it is not just a pretty rock; it has great value.
In certain circles, the howlite stone represents emotional healing – its white color represents purity, calmness, compassion, and sensitivity.
Others believe it is a stone associated with patience and perspective, perfect for those who need to slow down the world around them.
Eliminate the overwhelming chatter and noise of modern life, and gain some peace and perspective within their own minds.
What Are The Benefits?
As well as this, many in the spiritual community believe howlite possesses a wide range of healing qualities, able to sooth the mind, body, and spirit.
With it’s supposed calming effects, the howlite stone is claimed to slow down the heartbeat during moments of stress or anxiety.
Cool body temperatures to one of comfort and calm, and ultimately show the user the way to inner wisdom and mindfulness.
Its benefits for physical health include improving the strength and health of bones, the lusciousness of hair, improving the whiteness and strength of teeth, and balancing calcium levels inside the body.
How To Use Howlite
There are several ways you can use howlite. You can wear it as jewelry, carry it in your pocket, or place it under your pillow. If you want to keep it close to home, you can put it on top of your desk.
Alternatively, it can be placed alongside other meditative equipment, ready to activate when you begin your daily rituals.
Conclusion
As you can see, this milky-white mineral has played a varied role in fashion, status, health, and mental and spiritual wellbeing throughout the ages.
A sacred stone for hundreds of years, then a scientific marvel in the 19th century, the one thing that has remained constant is the mystique that the mineral possesses.
Be it in the beauty, its varied, amorphous color potential, or its many practical and spiritual uses, howlite continues to attract new devotees with each new era.
So if it’s a sense of inner calm you seek, or perhaps something to aid aches, pains, stresses, and strains, then white howlite might just be the thing for you to try.
Everyday Insight
Richard Pryn, the man behind Everyday Insight, is a professional composer and has always been fascinated with the esoteric & spiritual. He has trained as a Pranic Healer and as a Dowser. These spiritual studies have included the study of crystals, earth energies, manifestation and lifestyle design.We know that you, like us, are fascinated by all the intangible things that make life magical
