This milky opaque stone is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide. However, the name was later changed after How’s death to pay homage to his work and discovery. He named it “Silicoborocalcite” after its theorized chemical composition. He determined that this mineral was indeed undiscovered. After being alerted to a potential new mineral in a local gypsum mine, he went to investigate. At the time, he was working in a small town in Nova Scotia. Howlite was first discovered in 1868 by Henry How. However, its meaning and properties go much deeper than its visual appeal.
At first glance, many people mistake it for marble or some other commonly used architectural stone.
Typically chalky white and imbued with smoky black veins, this stone has a very familiar and sought-after look. No matter what name you use to describe it, there’s no denying that Howlite is a thing of pure beauty! Some call it White Buffalo, Kaolinite, White Turquoise, or even Silicoborocalcite! Howlite is a stone that goes by many different names.