
mineral
Sodalite
Sodium Aluminum Silicate Chloride (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue, grey, white, or green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Royal blue, grey, white, or green
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue, grey, white, or green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33
Formation & geological history
Commonly forms in igneous rocks that crystallized from sodium-rich magmas, specifically nepheline syenites and phonolites. It orignates in silica-poor environments.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and as a decorative stone in architecture (slabs for countertops or tiles).
Geological facts
Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli; however, Sodalite rarely contains the golden pyrite flecks found in Lapis. It is a member of the feldspathoid mineral group.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its rich blue color and white veins of calcite. It will often fluoresce a bright orange-red under long-wave UV light. Found in Canada (Bancroft), Brazil, and Namibia.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
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Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite
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mineral