mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite [Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2]

Hardness: 5.5 to 6.0 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep blue and royal blue with white or grey marbling (calcite streaks); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27 to 2.33.

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and phonolites. It is a tectosilicate mineral that crystallizes from alkali-rich magmas. Major deposits occur in Greenland, Canada (British Columbia and Ontario), and Brazil.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as an ornamental gemstone, for cabochon jewelry, and as decorative stone for carvings or small sculptures. It is sometimes used as a substitute for the more expensive Lapis Lazuli.

Geological facts

Sodalite was first discovered by Europeans in Greenland in 1811, but it became popular in 1891 when large deposits were found in Ontario, Canada. It is often called 'Princess Blue' in Canada because Princess Margaret of England fell in love with it during a royal visit.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive royal blue color often accompanied by white calcite veins. Unlike Lapis Lazuli, it rarely contains golden pyrite flecks. For field identification, it has a white streak and will fluoresce bright orange or yellow-orange under long-wave ultraviolet light.