Howlite was named after Henry How, who discovered it in 1868 in Nova Scotia. Henry How was a Canadian chemist, geologist and mineralogist who was told of this previously unknown mineral by gypsum quarry miners who found it hampered their mining because it is harder than gypsum. Howlite is a borate mineral, which occurs in Canada and parts of the USA. Howlite is generally a white stone with veining in grey and brown colors, this veining is referred to as "matrix." Howlite is very porous, so it can be dyed just about any color you can imagine. The most popular color seen in the industry is Turquoise, sometimes it can be done so well that it is convincing enough to be confused with genuine turquoise. With scarcity of turquoise, Howlite is a great and cost effective alternative. Howlite is said to balance calcium levels and strengthen the bones and teeth. It is also thought to be a calming stone that can relieve insomnia.