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 genuine turquoise its iconic blue-green color. Instead, it is composed predominantly of calcite, often intergrown with dolomite or magnesite, with a black or brown iron-oxide matrix running through it. It comes from a single source: the Dry Creek Mine near Tonopah, Nevada, first mined by the Otteson family in 1993.
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.
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.
White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite: Quick Facts
| Property | White Buffalo Turquoise | Howlite |
| Origin | Dry Creek Mine, Tonopah, Nevada (single source) | Nova Scotia; also mined in Canada & California |
| Primary composition | Predominantly calcite, often intergrown with dolomite or magnesite | Calcium borosilicate |
| Copper content | None | None |
| Hardness (Mohs) | ≈ 3–4.5 | ≈ 3.5 |
| Porosity | Low to moderate | High — readily absorbs dye |
| Typical price | $3–$10+ per carat | Under $1 per carat, even when dyed |
| Common uses | Native American silver jewelry, cabochons, collectible beads | Costume jewelry, dyed 'turquoise' imitation pieces, carvings |
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 Turquoise typically has a Mohs hardness of about 3 to 4.5 — softer than genuine copper-bearing turquoise (5 to 6) but generally firmer than raw Howlite.
- Howlite ranks around 3.5, similar to or slightly softer than White Buffalo, and its porous texture makes it scratch and absorb dye more easily.
Chemical Composition
- White Buffalo: Predominantly calcite, often intergrown with dolomite or magnesite, with an iron-oxide matrix; contains no copper.
- 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.
White Buffalo Turquoise vs Howlite Healing Properties
Both stones are believed to carry healing and metaphysical properties in crystal-healing and New Age traditions, though their spiritual uses differ. These are traditional and spiritual beliefs, not scientifically measurable properties recognized by mineralogy or medicine.
- White Buffalo Turquoise is associated with purity, balance, and spiritual protection. Many people use it in meditation for clarity and calmness. For a deeper look at these associations, see our full guide to White Buffalo Turquoise Meaning.
- 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.
For a complete guide to spotting genuine turquoise from imitations — including dyed Howlite and Magnesite — see our guide to real vs fake turquoise.
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.
If you're looking for genuine, copper-bearing turquoise for your next piece, explore ARAGEMS’ collection of natural Persian turquoise stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is White Buffalo Turquoise the same as Howlite?
No. They are different minerals from different locations. White Buffalo Turquoise is predominantly calcite (often intergrown with dolomite or magnesite) from a single Nevada mine, while Howlite is a calcium borosilicate mineral first found in Nova Scotia. Neither contains copper, so neither is chemically genuine turquoise, but they are not the same stone as each other either.
How can you tell White Buffalo Turquoise from dyed Howlite?
Check the price first — genuine White Buffalo, being single-source and rarer, costs noticeably more than dyed Howlite. Also compare the matrix (White Buffalo's black veining tends to be bolder) and hardness (Howlite is generally softer and more porous, so it scratches and absorbs dye more readily).
Which is more valuable, White Buffalo Turquoise or Howlite?
White Buffalo Turquoise is significantly more valuable. Because it comes from a single mine in Nevada, it is far rarer than Howlite, which is relatively abundant and often dyed to imitate turquoise at a fraction of the cost.
Is White Buffalo Turquoise real turquoise?
No. Despite the name, White Buffalo stone contains no copper and is not chemically related to genuine turquoise, which is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate.
Can Howlite be used in jewelry like White Buffalo Turquoise?
Yes, but because of its softness (about 3.5 on the Mohs scale) and porosity, Howlite is better suited to costume or decorative jewelry than to pieces meant for everyday, long-term wear.
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/