A mineral made of a zinc-bearing rhodonite, Fowlerite was named by Charles Upham Shepard in 1832 in commemoration of Dr. Samuel Fowler of New Jersey who was a physician who had a very large interest in science as well as business.
He was also a US Congressman representing New Jersey from 1833 to 1837.
He enlisted the help of several scientists in the deposits of Franklin and Sterling Hill in New Jersey and in 1820, with the help of a partner, purchased Mine Hill.
It was located in Franklin Hill at the site of the Franklin orebody.
He also, with the help of the Ogden family who originally owned it, purchased the Sterling Mine.
What is Fowlerite Made Of?
The chemical formula for Fowlerite is (Mn2+,Zn,Ca)SiO3.
It is a variety of the Rhodonite stone because it boasts the Zn- and Ca-bearing variety of rhodonite, yet it is a much more lighter shade of pink than other members of Rhodonite family.
Fowlerite is noted as rhodonite that rarely occurred in crystals before it was discovered by Dr. Samuel Fowler in Franklin, New Jersey.
The end-member formula of Fowlerite is believed to be CaZnMn3O15 per Nelson and Griffen in 2005.
Fowlerite is considered to be a newer species.
Fowlerite also boasts a zinciferous variety that contains about seven percent of zinc oxide along with calcium oxide, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Since Fowlerite is a member of the Rhodonite family, it most often than not will be a paler shade of pink with flecks of black inclusions from manganese oxide.
The very name of Rhodonite stems from the Greek word, rhodon, which means rose due to the pink color of these gems.
Fowlerite is soluble in acids, and it will become discolored from acid. It can be easily fused with a heat source, such as a torch.
What Does Fowlerite Look Like?
Fowlerite can be found in several different colors, including red, a reddish-brown, dark brown, a darker shade of pink, or a brown-black color.
It is a paler shade of pink, though, than rhodonite.
It is pretty much translucent, opaque, or completely transparent and a pretty stone, normally in a beautiful shade of pink more often than not.
It comes from Rhodonite and is granular.
Fowlerite is normally found in great masses of granite or other rocks that are igneous rocks.
It is not radioactive.
It is part of the garnet family of stones and crystals.
It has a greasy or vitreous luster to it.
Where is it Found?
Fowlerite is a silicate mineral that you will normally find as rounded crystals alone or in masses or grains in a variety of manganese ores.
It is often along with rhodochrosite in the Ural Mountains of Russia, Sweden, New South Wales, California, and, of course, New Jersey where it was first discovered and appreciated by Dr. Samuel Fowler.
How To Identify Fowlorite
Since Fowlerite is a variety of rhodonite, it is formed when magma comes into contact with sedimentary rocks that happen to be very rich in manganese.
This process can occur through hydrothermal, metamorphic, or sedimentary action so there are a variety of ways that Fowlerite can be formed.
It forms as a tabular or prismatic crystal, usually in a mass that was discussed above.
The darker colors within the crystal can appear to resemble tree-like branches.
Caring For Fowlerite
You should not use any type of household products, including any type of cleaner, near Fowlerite as it will discolor it and ruin its beautiful appearance.
You should also, obviously, keep it away from any heat sources if you purchase it in jewelry or other products since the heat will ruin it.
Fowlerite has a low level of hardness so it is a softer stone that can melt more easily than stronger, harder, more durable stones.
What Stones are Confused With Fowlerite?
Fowlerite can be confused with a few other crystals, including rose quartz.
The two appear very similar since they are both pale pink in color and both are very beautiful.
It can also be confused with Thulite.
The main way to tell if a stone is Fowlerite is to look for the black matrix that runs through it since the other stones do not have that same characteristic.
What is Fowlerite Used For?
Fowlerite is mined for ornamental uses and since it is a newer stone, it is more rare to come by and is even sought by some people who collect gems and other stones.
Sometimes it is carved to use for jewelry, so it is sought-after by jewelers and others in the jewelry-making industry.
Fowlerite has several purported metaphysical properties attached to it.
It is believed to stimulate the heart chakra.
Those who believe say that the stone promotes a state of unconditional love and even the generosity of the spirit.
Many people give this stone as a gift to show their love to others since it is believed the love will then be returned to them as a gift of altruistic purposes when it comes to life skills.
Fowlerite is believed to help rid the mind and clear it of past emotional traumas and the self-destructive behaviors that can result from that trauma.
It is used to try and calm down more chaotic situations and produce a sense of reassurance that everything will be all right.
Since Fowlerite is a nurturer of love that also supports and is used to encourage love, it can bring acceptance to people during a difficult situation, along with support, understanding, and direction.
It is used to try and reduce trauma and emotional shock in a chaotic situation and even help to heal any emotional wounds and scars a person may be experiencing from the past traumas that they have dealt with.
Fowlerite is a crystal that is often used to try and lower the level of resentment and anger a person may feel towards others due to a bad situation and even encourage forgiveness so the person can release all of those self-destructive emotions that can cause health problems and even diseases in the body.
People use this crystal to try and help people heal from the past by producing positivity and even strength.
People also use it to try and have a better quality of life.
Wrap Up
Fowlerite is a beautiful crystal with many healing properties attached to it and is great when used in pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
It is said to be a sensitive stone, though, that must be taken care of properly or it will not last.
It is becoming easier to come by but should definitely be viewed as a more delicate gem.
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