mineral
Sodalite
Sodalite, Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2
Hardness 5.5-6 on Mohs scale, predominantly blue with white mottling/veins (often calcite), vitreous to greasy luster, cubic crystal system (though usually massive), poor cleavage, specific gravity ~2.27-2.33.
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 5.5-6 on Mohs scale, predominantly blue with white mottling/veins (often calcite), vitreous to greasy luster, cubic crystal system (though usually massive), poor cleavage, specific gravity ~2.27-2.33.
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-poor, alkali-rich igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and phonolites. Also found in some contact metamorphosed limestones.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in jewelry as cabochons or beads, carved into ornamental objects, and used by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Sodalite is often confused with lapis lazuli but lacks lapis's characteristic pyrite inclusions. It is named for its sodium content.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive royal blue color mottled with white, and distinguished from lapis by the absence of pyrite and typically a lower specific gravity. Commonly found in Canada, Namibia, and Brazil.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral