Pagan Blog Project - Week 15 - H#2 – Howlite
I went many years without even hearing about
howlite, though I know now that it’s way more common than I would have
originally imagined. Howlite is a pretty soft stone, making it easy to carve
and shape. It is also pretty porous, making it easy to dye. When you find colored
beads or stone baubles that are super bright, it’s usually howlite. Sometimes,
though, these pieces are labeled as something else. This is especially common
with turquoise because of the similarities between the structures of the two
stones. Sometimes these dyed pieces are also called magnesite or turquenite. Though
some (many, probably) pieces of turquoise are genuine, some are really just
brightly colored howlite pieces, so be aware!
Howlite
is said to have calming and relaxing properties. If you have a piece of
howlite, you can feel how smooth and soft it is. Stroking howlite like a worry
stone can help soothe an overly active mind, or even help those who suffer from
insomnia. Howlite can especially be useful for those who work in a stressful
career, so it’s a good stone to have on a keychain, piece of jewelry, in your
pocket, or at your desk.
Though
I was originally scandalized to have so much howlite masquerading as turquoise,
I’ve really come to love and appreciate the versatility and usefulness of this
charming stone!
(coupon code SPACEWITCH)