mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs scale; Color: typically deep blue, often with white calcite streaks; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: typically deep blue, often with white calcite streaks
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs scale; Color: typically deep blue, often with white calcite streaks; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks (alkaline magmas) like nepheline syenites and pegmatites. It forms in low-pressure environments where sodium and chlorine are abundant.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an ornamental stone, for jewelry (beads, cabochons), and as a collector's specimen. In industry, it is sometimes used as a pigment or for its light-sensitive (tenebrescent) variants.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli; however, Sodalite lacks the golden pyrite inclusions typically found in Lapis. Hackmanite is a rare, sulfur-rich variety of Sodalite that exhibits tenebrescence (changing color when exposed to light).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its rich royal blue color and characteristic white streaks. It is commonly found in the Princess Sodalite Mine in Canada, as well as sites in Brazil, Namibia, and Greenland.