Can Howlite Go In Water? (ANSWERED)

Howlite, although it is a borate mineral, can go in the water short periods of time.

You mustn’t keep this stone in water for long hours or wet for too long because too much water can begin to break down the stone’s surface and molecular structure.

In this article, we will do a short overview of Howlite, why you can put it in water, and how you care for this mineral.

Can Howlite Go In Water? (EXPLAINED)

History of Howlite

This stone was discovered by scientists around Nova Scotia in 1868 and was named “silicoborocalcite.”

In the mid-1900s, famed geologist James Dwight Dana renamed it Howlite, after a large white cat, possibly a snow leopard, in Central and South Asia with a distinctive howl.

Different names for this stone are Sacred Buffalo, White Buffalo, White Turquoise, Silico Boro Calcite, and Kaolinite.

There are medium-sized deposits of this stone across the world in places such as California, Nevada, Canada, Namibia, Turkey, Serbia, Russia, Mexico, and Germany.

Physical properties of Howlite

Howlite is a chalky white or light grey stone with grey, black, or brown veins running throughout the surface.

It is from the borate anion group of minerals, which are very similar to the silicate mineral class.

People use this stone in raw form, jewelry, small carvings, clothing beads, cabochons, and home decor.

Sometimes it is even covered in resin to make it harder and less likely to break but is not suitable for being faceted.

Howlite is not an expensive stone, so it would be very unlikely to find any fake Howlite stone.

But Howlite is also used to imitate other stones sometimes.

Because Howlite has a porous structure, it can be dyed easily and passed off as turquoise or red coral by gemstone dealers to make more money.

Always remember that a reputable dealer will disclose if their products have been altered in any way.

Metaphysical Properties of Howlite

This stone is said to calm anxiousness, tensions, and stressful feelings and is often called the stone of tranquility.

It is also associated with the Crown Chakra and is said to encourage open-mindedness, compassion for others, neutrality, and optimism.

Crystal healers and holistic practitioners say Howlite is also one of the best stones for anger management, impatience, and continuous arrogant behavior.

Why is it safe to put Howlite in water?

The Mohs Hardness Scale is a way of classifying minerals by their ability to scratch other minerals and then rating them on a scale of 1 to 10.

Scientists determine the numbers by taking two minerals and seeing which one scratches or damages the other.

The harder the mineral, or the one that wasn’t damaged, will receive the higher number on the Mohs Hardness scale.

This scale is important for whether a stone can go in the water because softer stones are almost always susceptible to water damage.

As a rule, crystal with a hardness rating of 5 or below on the Mohs Hardness scale should not be left in water.

They can dissolve or crack if left in water for a long time.

Howlite is a 2.5-3.5 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale.

There are some exceptions to this rule, but not many, so always keep it in mind.

Howlite’s chemical composition makes it a calcium borosilicate hydroxide mineral characterized by molecular masses and cauliflower-like nodules.

This makes it a unique type of borate mineral, because most of them, such as Borax and Ulexite, are soft and soluble.

Only certain borate minerals, such as Boracite and Howlite, are hard and resistant to weathering and water.

Because of this, Howlite can be immersed for only short periods of time.

Any longer than that might cause it to begin dissolving and break apart.

Care Regimen

Avoid wearing this stone during rigorous activities that could cause it damage, such as exercising, cooking, or partying.

Keep it safe in storage by wrapping the stone, or the jewelry piece, in a soft cloth or jewelry box.

Howlite should be gently cleaned in soap and water only when necessary, because this stone is fragile, as mentioned above.

In addition to cleaning for dirt, some people cleanse it for energetic reasons.

Cleansing this stone in pure water quickly regularly is thought to energetically clear the mineral from lower vibration energies such as negativity, anger, and anxiety that may get absorbed over time.

What to remember

Whenever water touches this stone, program your timer so you don’t forget about it.

Also, remember not to put harsh cleaning agents on your Howlite because it will ultimately alter and diminish the surface of the stone.

Hand soap will work fine, but a stronger cleaner will likely make it more fragile and vulnerable to damage over time.

Each time you cleanse the crystal, dry it off completely with a soft cloth to prevent it from breaking down over time.

Remember not to cleanse Howlite with any other stones because its hardness is 2.5-3.5. That means it can get scratched by almost anything.

Howlite is a beautiful and unique stone discovered by western society in 1868 but has roots in indigenous cultures as the stone of serenity, peace, and understanding.

Not only do you now know that Howlite can go in the water, but you also have information about how you care for this stone in everyday life.

This will give you more confidence as you expand your mineral collection and inspire you to keep all of your geological treasures looking the best for years to come.