Howlite was named in honor of 19th century geologist Henry How, who was the first to write about the stone in the scientific community. How originally called the stone silicoborocalcite. Naturally, howlite is opaque white or light grey with streaks of black, brown, or grey. Because of its porosity, Howlite is often dyed and used as an affordable alternative to other gemstones.
It is frequently found in distinctive cauliflower-like clusters or nodules. It is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide, most often mined in Eastern Canada and California, though found in several other locations around the world.