clasp & lens.

Materials glossary / Gemstone

Howlite

On the label: Howlite · Gemstone

What it is

A white, veined borate mineral, Mohs 3.5, that dyes easily; the usual material behind cheap 'turquoise' and colored 'magnesite' beads.

Gemstones: Natural gemstones, as mined and cut. Hardness (Mohs scale) says what scratches what; treatment (heat, oil, dye) must be disclosed under FTC rules.

Wikidata: Inoborate mineral. Q421527 →

In the research

No PubMed papers mention this material with jewelry, allergy or eyewear; that is usual for findings and trade terms.

Pieces whose listing names it

3 on the site

Matched from the words in the supplier's listing; the full material line is on each product page.

Other gemstones

Clasp & Lens describes materials from the public record and does not appraise, grade or test pieces; what a listing states is the supplier's statement. If a piece causes a rash, take it off; a reaction that spreads or blisters is a doctor's question, and sunglasses are no substitute for impact-rated eye protection where that is required.

Howlite: what it is and what the label means | Clasp & Lens