mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue to greyish blue with white streaks (calcite); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue to greyish blue with white streaks (calcite)
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks like nepheline syenites and phonolites, often crystallizing from alkaline magmas. Notable deposits range from billions of years old to more recent Cenozoic formations.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an ornamental gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, sculptures, and architectural veneers. It is popular among mineral collectors for its vibrant color.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often mistaken for Lapis Lazuli, but it lacks the golden pyrite inclusions typically found in Lapis. It gained fame as the 'Princess Blue' stone after Princess Margaret of England visited the Princess Sodalite Mine in Ontario, Canada.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its intense blue color, white calcite veining, and lack of pyrite. Commonly found in Bancroft (Canada), Brazil, Namibia, Greenland, and Russia. It often fluoresces bright orange under long-wave UV light.