What is White Turquoise? Don't be Fooled... it's just Howlite.

Beware of being duped by the glamorous-sounding name 'White Turquoise' as it is just a clever marketing tactic used by online vendors to hike up prices. The truth is, the genuine Turquoise stone is a precious and scarce gem, bearing similar intricate patterns to the commonly found White Howlite.

What is White Howlite?

With its alluring grey veins running through its milky white base, Howlite is a gemstone that's born in the depths of evaporite mineral deposits.

Its characteristic appearance is a result of its porous structure, which is full of microscopic pores and openings. Once meticulously cut and polished, Howlite's smooth, lustrous finish is a visual treat, making it a sought-after choice for ornamental adornments and fine jewelry.

Interestingly, the gemstone owes its name to Henry How, a prominent mineralogist who unearthed it for the first time in the mid 1800's in the rich mines of Nova Scotia, Canada.

How to Tell Authentic Turquoise from Dyed Howlite?

A common trick in the industry is to dye Howlite blue and pass it off as genuine Turquoise. While seasoned collectors can quickly spot the deception, the untrained eye can be easily fooled. However, there are straightforward methods to verify the authenticity of the stone.

Observe its intricate details

Authentic Turquoise boasts an exceptional complexity of patterns, and its veins are more of a dark brown shade rather than the paler grey of Howlite. Don't be fooled by the fakes; let the natural beauty of the gemstones shine through.

Is the price right?

The old saying is that if it seems too good to be, the it probably is. Natural Turquoise rare and expensive as many of the prolific deposits were largely depleted over 20 years ago.

Final Thoughts

The world of online shopping can be treacherous when searching for authentic Turquoise gemstones. Our collections feature both White Howlite and Natural Turquoise so that you can be sure you're getting the real thing. Visit us today to find the perfect stone beads for your jewelry-making needs.