Howlite is a porous stone that can be dyed to mimic other stones. These Lapis blue stones are created by taking the veiny stone of white howlite and adding the vibrant blue color of Lapis Lazuli to create a rich and consistent color. This mineral was discovered by and named after Canadian Henry How in 1868, making it a relatively modern discovery. These 8mm round beads are smooth, and come in a brilliant blue.
Semi-precious stone beads are mined all over the world and then are usually cut in China. They will often be dyed or color-treated to enhance their appearance. We select the best quality semi-precious that is available, and try to avoid finishes that are not durable. It is best to assume that some semi-precious beads will fade over time.