Full Guide To White Turquoise vs. Howlite (This Is The Difference)
In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as white turquoise and howlite it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Amazonite vs. Turquoise: This Is The Difference
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White turquoise vs Howlite – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
White turquoise also goes by the name white buffalo. The stone is technically not turquoise, but a dolomite stone. The main mineral in the stone’s composition is calcite. It, however, morphs into aragonite or dolomite depending on the crystalline structure of the calcite. It gets its name from the place of discovery. It’s commonly found in turquoise mines and also undergoes a similar formation process as turquoise.
Howlite, on the other hand, is a calcite group mineral. It is a calcium silico-borate gemstone.
Color
White turquoise is milky to snow-white. The stone will often have black or brown veining. It also offers pale pink, orange, yellow, brown, gray, and colorless varieties. Some of these stones may have a slight green or blue tint from the minerals within the rock. Howlite is also white with a marble-like appearance. The white stone displays black, brown, and gray veins running through it. Some howlite species are purely white.
Pattern and Clarity
White turquoise has a pearly or vitreous luster. The stone displays a perfect cleavage from three directions. It has a hexagonal crystal system and a brittle tenacity. The stone has a white streak and is transparent to translucent in clarity.
Howlite lacks cleavage. The stone breaks with a conchoidal or uneven fracture. Its luster can be glimmering or sub vitreous. The stone is naturally translucent and has a white streak.
Also read: Chrysocolla vs. Turquoise: This Is The Difference
Hardness
White turquoise is a very soft stone. It ranks 3.5, while howlite ranges between 3.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Care
Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning methods for either of these stones because they are super soft. Full moon moonlight, brown rice, and smoke cleansing are effective complementary methods to cleanse and recharge white turquoise.
Howlite jewelry can be cleaned with some lukewarm soapy water. Being a soft stone, care should be taken when handling it to prevent scratches and damage. The stone can be placed in a bowl of rice for up to 24 hours to recharge.
Location
Authentic white turquoise stones are only found in Nevada and Arizona. Howlite was initially discovered in Canada. Today, most of these gemstones come from California and Mexico.
Uses
Jewelry
White turquoise jewelry is believed to signify purity, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
Howlite jewelry strengthens memory and calms pain, stress, and rage. It also facilitates communication and emotional expression and teaches patience.
Meditation
White turquoise is believed to expand consciousness and open us up to the spiritual realms. It brings alignment and a higher state of awareness during meditation practices. Working with this stone is an excellent way to support your spiritual growth.
The soothing energies in a howlite will bring ease and eliminate negative thoughts. This allows for better focus and mental clarity during these practices.
Also read: Green Calcite vs. Green Fluorite: This is the Difference
Properties
White turquoise is a powerful strengthening stone. In the past, the stone was used as an amulet of protection against negative energies. Owing to its rarity, the gemstone is believed to be in its purest form, which gives it the ability to purify energies.
The stone clears blockages within communication, allowing the wearer to express themselves freely. With better communication, the stone also nurtures better relationships and interactions with others. Physically, the stone is believed to protect and treat illnesses associated with the lungs.
Howlite energies bring calm to an overactive mind, strengthen memory, and help eliminate anger and pain. The stone is also believed to help in formulating and achieving ambition. It also helps stimulate a desire for knowledge and awareness. For physical healing, the stone is believed to treat osteoporosis and any bone and teeth-related sickness. It also helps you get better sleep, hence a good remedy for insomnia.
Chakra Association
White turquoise is associated with the crown chakra. This is the chakra located at the top of the head. It is the only chakra outside the human body. It is associated with divine connection and communication.
The stone is also involved in aligning and regulating unwanted energies within the body’s chakras. Through its association with the crown chakra, the stone connects the physical and metaphysical worlds.
Howlite’s vibration also directly resonates with the crown chakra. The stone also connects with the heart chakra to relieve tension, anxiety, and intense emotions. With the help of this stone in the heart chakra, one can restore emotional balance. Its cleansing abilities also help in acknowledging and releasing held emotions and the source of emotional stress.
Element Association
White turquoise is connected to the water element. This element is associated with stamina, wisdom, intuition, and endurance. It is also believed to foster sensibility, modesty, and reflective qualities. Water types are clever, independent, thoughtful, and articulate.
They may also be critical, scrutinizing, and fearful. The fluidity of the water element welcomes abundance and wealth and helps with social networks. Water crystals are potent in cleansing and purification energies.
Howlite is connected to the air element. This element is invisible yet the most necessary for the existence of all living things. The aspect also represents imagination, knowledge, and the power of the mind. Air people are creative, outspoken, and open-minded. Stones and crystals associated with this element can be used to reignite one’s creative spark.
Zodiac Association
Neither of these stones appears on any birthstone chart. However, white turquoise favors the Aquarius and Sagittarius Zodiac signs. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, hence very innovative, versatile, and forward-thinking.
People of this zodiac may also have negative traits like rebellion and introversion. The white turquoise will help them with the communication and articulation of these ideas. The stone also brings calming and soothing energies to Sagittarius. It also balances its emotions and enables them to get messages and communicate with its spiritual guides.
Howlite will bring mental clarity and open-mindedness to Gemini. The stone absorbs negative energies and also encourages them to be their authentic self.
Ruling Planets
Mercury rules both white turquoise and howlite. The planet is associated with communication, memory, transportation, coordination, and memory. Our Mercury defines how we process information, express our thoughts and ideas, and communicate.
Spiritually, the planet is believed to possess medicinal value. It’s also thought to bring luck and cast away evil spirits. In modern-day astrology, Mercury is responsible for relationships, day-to-day communication, and expression. Spiritually, Mercury will take things apart and bring them back together.
It’s considered a good planet and is also the lord of Virgo and Gemini zodiac signs. Its symbolism in communication makes the people related to it friendly, social, and chatty. The energies of this planet are associated with reasoning, opinions, quick thinking, and opinions. It also prompts action on both psychological and physical levels. Stones and crystals from this planet can be used to enhance intelligence and social connections. They are also used to connect to the energies of Mercury.
Also read: Lapis Lazuli vs Sapphire: This Is The Difference
Numerical Vibration
White turquoise vibrates at 1. The number is considered a symbol of unity. People associated with this number are independent, original, and competitive. They are naturally honest and self-confident. Number 1s will show dedication and creativity with every task they do.
On the flip side, people resonating with this number can be very stubborn and strongly individual in the means to accomplish what they set their minds to. Crystals and stones of this vibration are excellent in bringing focus, new ideas, and determination.
Howlite vibrates at 2. The moon influences this number. Traits associated with this number are affectionate, caring, loving, and sensitive. It is also the smallest even number in numerology and is believed to carry double blessings. In Chinese culture, the number 2 is celebrated as an auspicious number. It is believed that good things come in pairs. Spiritually, the number represents cooperation, partnerships, kinship, and harmony.
Best Combination
Howlite can be paired with amethyst or peridot to relieve pain and ease the mind and heart of strong emotions. Chrysoprase and amber can be paired with howlite for better understanding and patience towards other people.
Amethyst pairs well with white turquoise for the crown chakra. The team is excellent for meditation practices. The pair is also believed to facilitate a connection between the metaphysical and physical world. The pair also allows one to experience a feeling of peace and serenity.
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