Comparison · Minerals vs Carbonates
Howlite vs Magnesite
Howlite and Magnesite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Howlite and Magnesite
- Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Howlite is Opaque, Magnesite is translucent.
- They overlap in gray, but Howlite also comes in white and Magnesite also comes in yellow, brown, and clear.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Howlite is Monoclinic, Magnesite is trigonal.
Howlite vs Magnesite properties
| Property | Howlite | Magnesite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Carbonates |
| Mohs hardness | 3–3.5 | 4 |
| Luster | Subvitreous to dull | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.45–2.6 | 3 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | trigonal |
| Common colors | White with gray veining | White, Gray, Yellowish, Brown, Colorless |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $3–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Magnesite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Howlite, and premium Magnesite can reach $150 or more.
About Howlite
Howlite is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide, Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5, typically found as white to gray nodular masses veined with dark, web-like markings that resemble turquoise. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system but rarely as distinct crystals, forming instead as compact, chalky nodules in borate-rich evaporite deposits. It was first described in 1868 by Canadian geologist Henry How, for whom it is named.
About Magnesite
Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral that forms white to gray crystalline masses and, less commonly, rhombohedral crystals. It is an important source of magnesium and refractory magnesia.
Howlite vs Magnesite FAQ
Is Howlite the same as Magnesite?
No. Howlite is a mineral while Magnesite is a carbonate. Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Howlite from Magnesite?
Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Howlite is Opaque, Magnesite is translucent. They overlap in gray, but Howlite also comes in white and Magnesite also comes in yellow, brown, and clear.
Which is harder, Howlite or Magnesite?
Magnesite is harder: Mohs 4 against Mohs 3–3.5 for Howlite.
Which is more valuable, Howlite or Magnesite?
Magnesite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Howlite, and premium Magnesite can reach $150 or more.
