When it comes to home decor and jewelry-making, the use of stones and minerals has become increasingly popular. Two stones that have caught the attention of many are howlite and marble. Despite looking quite similar, these two stones differ in several ways. In this guide, we will explore the properties and uses of both howlite and marble, and compare them to help you make an informed decision on which stone to choose for your next project.
Howlite
Howlite is a borate mineral that was discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1868. It was named after Henry How, a Canadian geologist who first discovered the mineral. Howlite is primarily found in Canada, but it can also be found in the United States, Germany, and Russia.
Properties of Howlite
Color
Howlite is usually white or light gray with black or gray veins running through it. However, it can also be dyed to mimic other stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral.
Texture
Howlite has a fine, granular texture that is similar to that of unglazed porcelain.
Hardness
Howlite has a Mohs hardness of 3.5, which means it is relatively soft and can be easily scratched.
Porosity
Howlite is a porous stone that can absorb liquids and oils. This makes it important to take care of howlite jewelry and decorative items by avoiding contact with liquids and oils.
Uses of Howlite
Jewelry
One of the most popular uses of howlite is in wholesale crystal jewelry making. It is often used as a substitute for more expensive stones such as turquoise or lapis lazuli, due to its similar appearance. Howlite is also said to have spiritual properties that help with stress, anxiety, and anger management.
Decorative items
Howlite is often used to make decorative items such as vases, bowls, and figurines. Its unique texture and appearance make it an excellent choice for creating ornamental pieces.
Spiritual practices
Howlite is believed to have calming properties and is often used in spiritual practices such as meditation. It is said to help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote inner peace.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone. It is found in various parts of the world, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. Marble has been used in architecture and art for centuries, and it is known for its beauty and durability.
Properties of Marble
Color
Marble comes in a wide range of colors, including white, black, green, red, and pink. The color of marble depends on the type of minerals that were present when it was formed.
Texture
Marble has a smooth, polished texture that is cool to the touch.
Hardness
Marble has a Mohs hardness of 3, which makes it relatively soft compared to other stones such as granite and quartz.
Porosity
Marble is a porous stone that can absorb liquids and oils. This makes it important to take care of marble surfaces by avoiding contact with liquids and oils.
Uses of Marble
Building and construction
Marble has been used in architecture and construction for centuries. It is often used for flooring, countertops, and building facades due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Sculptures
Marble is also a popular material for sculptures. Its smooth texture and ability to hold fine details make it an excellent choice for creating intricate works of art.
Home decor
Marble is often used in home decor, such as vases, lamps, and decorative bowls. Its unique patterns and colors make it a popular choice for creating elegant and sophisticated pieces.
Howlite vs Marble
When comparing howlite and marble, there are several differences to consider.
Differences in Properties
Color
While howlite is typically white or light gray with black or gray veins, marble comes in a wider range of colors. Marble can be found in white, black, green, red, pink, and other colors, depending on the minerals present.
Texture
Howlite has a granular texture, while marble has a smooth, polished texture.
Hardness
Marble has a slightly higher Mohs hardness than howlite, with a rating of 3 compared to howlite’s 3.5. This means that marble is slightly more durable and less prone to scratches.
Porosity
Both howlite and marble are porous stones that can absorb liquids and oils, but marble is generally more resistant to staining and etching than howlite.
Differences in Uses
Jewelry and Decorative Items
While howlite is commonly used in jewelry making and decorative items, marble is less frequently used for these purposes due to its higher cost and heavier weight.
Building and Construction
Marble is a popular material for building and construction due to its durability and elegant appearance. Howlite, on the other hand, is not commonly used in construction.
Spiritual Practices and Home Decor
Howlite is often used in spiritual practices such as meditation, while marble is more commonly used in home decor such as vases, lamps, and decorative bowls.
Conclusion
Howlite and marble are two stones that may appear similar at first glance, but have distinct differences in their properties and uses. Howlite is a relatively soft and porous stone that is often used in jewelry making and decorative items, while marble is a durable and elegant stone that is commonly used in architecture and art. When choosing between these two stones, it is important to consider the specific needs of your project and what properties and uses are most important to you.