White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite: Key Differences in Value, Jewelry & Healing Properties
If you've ever come across striking white stones with dark veining, chances are you were looking at either White Buffalo Turquoise or Howlite. These two stones are often confused due to their similar appearance, but they are completely different in composition, value, and use. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite, including their value, use in jewelry, healing properties, and price—so you can make informed decisions whether you're a buyer, collector, or gemstone enthusiast.
What Is White Buffalo Turquoise?
Despite its name, White Buffalo Turquoise is not technically turquoise in the mineralogical sense—it lacks the copper content that gives traditional turquoise its iconic blue or green color. Instead, it is a rare combination of white calcite and black chert, found only in one location: Tonopah, Nevada.
This stone features a high-contrast look: milky white with bold black or brown matrix. It’s beloved by collectors and jewelry designers, especially in Native American jewelry, for its striking appearance and natural rarity. Since it's mined from a single source, it's considered far more exclusive than Howlite.
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What Is Howlite?
Howlite is a borate mineral discovered in Nova Scotia and later found in abundance in Canada and California. It is typically white with gray or black veining, and it has a softer, more porous texture than White Buffalo.
Because of its absorbent nature, Howlite is often dyed blue to imitate turquoise—this is why many low-cost “turquoise” pieces are actually dyed Howlite. While it’s a common and affordable stone, it’s also used in a wide range of spiritual and decorative jewelry.
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White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite: Key Differences
Appearance
While both stones may appear similar at first glance, White Buffalo usually has bolder contrast, often with a deeper black matrix. Howlite has a more subtle, marble-like gray veining.
Hardness & Durability
- White Buffalo has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it suitable for most jewelry.
- Howlite ranks around 3.5, meaning it scratches more easily and is less durable.
Chemical Composition
- White Buffalo: Mainly calcite, dolomite, with iron contributing to the dark matrix.
- Howlite: A calcium borosilicate mineral.
Value and Rarity
White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite value is significant. White Buffalo is much rarer and only comes from a single mine, increasing both its value and collectibility. Howlite, being more abundant and often artificially enhanced, is less valuable in comparison.
Price
When it comes to White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite price, there’s a noticeable gap:
- White Buffalo can range from $3 to $10+ per carat, depending on quality and craftsmanship.
- Howlite, even when dyed, is usually under $1 per carat.
White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite Jewelry
When investing in jewelry, White Buffalo is the preferred choice for handmade, high-quality, and Native American silver jewelry. It holds its value, looks stunning, and pairs beautifully with sterling silver.
Howlite, on the other hand, is used in more casual or costume jewelry. Its softness limits its long-term durability, but it remains a popular choice due to its affordability and ease of carving.
If you're looking for lasting beauty and uniqueness, White Buffalo wins in the jewelry department.
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White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite Healing Properties
Both stones are believed to carry healing and metaphysical properties, though their spiritual uses differ.
- White Buffalo Turquoise is associated with purity, balance, and spiritual protection. Many people use it in meditation for clarity and calmness.
- Howlite is known for its calming energy, believed to aid in stress relief, sleep improvement, and emotional healing.
In comparing White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite healing properties, both offer spiritual benefits, but White Buffalo is often considered more grounding and sacred, especially in Native American traditions.
How to Tell the Difference
To avoid confusion or buying dyed Howlite sold as White Buffalo:
- Check the price – if it’s too cheap, it’s likely Howlite.
- Examine the veining – White Buffalo often has black, bold matrix, while Howlite's matrix is more gray and wispy.
- Feel the hardness – Howlite feels softer and may scratch more easily.
- Buy from reputable sources that label their stones clearly and offer background on the origin.
Conclusion
In the debate of White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite, the key takeaway is: they may look similar, but they’re worlds apart in terms of value, rarity, and durability. White Buffalo is a rare gemstone from a single mine, prized in high-end jewelry and spiritual circles. Howlite is more common and budget-friendly, often dyed to mimic more valuable stones.
Whether you're shopping for jewelry, collecting rare stones, or exploring healing crystals, knowing the difference will help you choose wisely—and avoid buying imitations.
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You’re article it’s very informative and very helpful. Are you able to recommend stores or dealers selling authentic White Buffalo stones or jewelry. I am located in the United States.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback — we’re truly glad the article was informative and helpful.
Regarding your question, our core expertise is in turquoise, especially authentic Iranian (Persian) turquoise. At the moment, we do not supply White Buffalo stones or White Buffalo jewelry, but we specialize in sourcing, cutting, and offering natural turquoise directly from Iranian mines.
If you’re specifically looking for natural turquoise, particularly high-grade Persian turquoise, we would be happy to help and provide guidance or recommendations based on your needs.
We appreciate your interest and support, and we’re here if you need any assistance related to natural turquoise.
Hallo, ek wou jou prys ken.
To check prices and explore our gemstone collection, please visit:
Gemstones page: https://aragems.com/product-category/gemstones/turquoise-stone/
For bulk purchases and wholesale inquiries of Iranian turquoise, see: https://aragems.com/turquoise-wholesale/