How can you tell if howlite is real?

Howlite is a beautiful semi-precious gemstone that is often used in jewelry making. However, with the rise of imitation or fake gemstones in the market, it has become increasingly important to know how to distinguish real howlite from fake versions. In this article, we will discuss how you can tell if howlite is real, so you can make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry or gemstones.

Visual Inspection.

One of the simplest ways to determine if howlite is real is through a visual inspection. Real howlite typically has a milky white or light gray color with gray or black veining that resembles the natural patterns found in marble. The veins in real howlite are usually thin and well-defined, giving the stone a unique and distinctive appearance.

On the other hand, fake howlite is often dyed to mimic the appearance of real howlite. Fake versions may have a more uniform color with less defined veining, or the veining may look too perfect or artificial. When inspecting howlite, look for natural variations in color and pattern, as these are usually indicators of a real howlite gemstone.

Touch and Texture.

Another way to determine the authenticity of howlite is through touch and texture. Real howlite is known for its smooth and waxy texture, similar to that of natural stones. When you run your fingers over the surface of real howlite, it should feel cool to the touch and slightly heavy due to its density.

Fake howlite, on the other hand, may feel lighter and have a different texture compared to real howlite. Fake versions may feel rougher or more plasticky, as they are often made from less durable materials. By feeling the surface of the gemstone and comparing it to known samples of real howlite, you can get a better sense of whether the howlite is authentic or not.

Scratch Test.

One of the more reliable ways to determine if howlite is real is by conducting a scratch test. Howlite is a relatively soft stone, with a Mohs hardness scale rating of around 3.5. This means that real howlite can be easily scratched by harder materials such as quartz or steel.

To conduct a scratch test, you can use a sharp object such as a knife or a nail to test the hardness of the howlite. If the howlite shows scratches or marks when you run the sharp object against it, it is likely real howlite. However, if the surface remains unmarked or shows minimal signs of scratching, it may be an imitation stone.

UV Light Test.

Another method to determine the authenticity of howlite is by using a UV light test. Real howlite typically does not exhibit any fluorescence or phosphorescence under UV light, as it is a non-reactive stone. If you shine a UV light on real howlite, it should not emit any visible light or glow.

Fake howlite, on the other hand, may exhibit fluorescence or phosphorescence under UV light, indicating that it is made from synthetic materials or has been treated with additives. By using a UV light to examine howlite, you can quickly identify any abnormalities that may suggest the stone is not real.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, there are several methods you can use to determine if howlite is real. By conducting a visual inspection, assessing touch and texture, performing a scratch test, and using a UV light test, you can confidently identify authentic howlite gemstones. Remember to compare the characteristics of the howlite to known samples of real howlite to make an accurate determination. With these tips in mind, you can be sure to make informed decisions when purchasing howlite jewelry or gemstones.

If you have any further questions or need assistance in identifying real howlite, feel free to contact us.

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