Comparison · Minerals vs Semi-Precious Stones
Howlite vs Turquoise
Howlite and Turquoise are easy to confuse. Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Howlite (Mohs 3–3.5), so Turquoise will scratch Howlite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Howlite and Turquoise
- Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Howlite (Mohs 3–3.5), so Turquoise will scratch Howlite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- Streak color differs: Howlite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Turquoise leaves white to pale green.
- Luster is different: Howlite is subvitreous to dull while Turquoise is waxy.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Howlite is Opaque, Turquoise is opaque.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Howlite is Monoclinic, Turquoise is triclinic.
Howlite vs Turquoise properties
| Property | Howlite | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 3–3.5 | 6 |
| Luster | Subvitreous to dull | waxy |
| Streak | White | White to pale green |
| Transparency | Opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.45–2.6 | 2.76 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | triclinic |
| Common colors | White with gray veining | Blue, Blue-Green, Green |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $20–$1000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Turquoise is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $20 for Howlite, and premium Turquoise can reach $1000 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 Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green phosphate mineral prized for thousands of years. Persian turquoise is considered the finest quality.
Howlite vs Turquoise FAQ
Is Howlite the same as Turquoise?
No. Howlite is a mineral while Turquoise is a semi-precious stone. Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Howlite (Mohs 3–3.5), so Turquoise will scratch Howlite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Howlite from Turquoise?
Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Howlite (Mohs 3–3.5), so Turquoise will scratch Howlite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Streak color differs: Howlite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Turquoise leaves white to pale green. Luster is different: Howlite is subvitreous to dull while Turquoise is waxy.
Which is harder, Howlite or Turquoise?
Turquoise is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 3–3.5 for Howlite.
Which is more valuable, Howlite or Turquoise?
Turquoise is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $20 for Howlite, and premium Turquoise can reach $1000 or more.
