mineral

Sodalite

Sodium Aluminum Silicate Chloride (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Royal blue to violet-blue, often with white calcite veining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue to violet-blue, often with white calcite veining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in sodium-rich igneous rocks (nepheline syenites and phonolites) and some metasomatic rocks. Most commercial deposits are found in Precambrian to Cenozoic geological environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, beads, and as ornamental stone for countertops and tiles.

Geological facts

Sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid group. It was famously discovered in Greenland in 1811 but became popular after the discovery of large deposits in Ontario, Canada, during a Royal visit, leading it to be called Princess Blue.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep blue color and characteristic white calcite streaks. Unlike Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite rarely contains gold-colored pyrite specks. Found globally including Brazil, Namibia, Canada, and the USA.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic