In the raw, howlite is found in cauliflower-like masses.
This versatile stone is named for Henry How, a 19th century mineralogist,
who found it first in Nova Scotia.
In appearance, it is white with fine grey or black veins in an erratic,
often web-like pattern, and is opaque with a sub-vitreous lustre.
Because of its porous texture, howlite can be easily dyed to imitate other minerals,
especially turquiose because of the superficial similarity of the veining patterns.
Howlite is also sold in its natural state,
sometimes under the misleading trade names of "white turquiose"
or "white buffalo turquoise", or the derived name "white buffalo stone".
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