mineral

Sodalite

Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2 (Sodium Aluminum Silicate Chloride)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue to grey-blue with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Cubic (isometric); Cleavage: Poor/indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue to grey-blue with white streaks
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-poor igneous rocks, particularly nepheline syenites and pegmatites. It is often found in plutonic environments where alkali-rich magmas cooled slowly.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as an ornamental stone, for jewelry (beads and cabochons), and as a collector's specimen. It is also used in architectural carvings and decorative finishes.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but unlike Lapis, Sodalite rarely contains gold-flecked pyrite. It was first discovered in Greenland in 1811 but became famous as 'Princess Blue' after a large deposit was found in Ontario, Canada, during a royal visit in 1901.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic royal blue color and white calcitic veins. Unlike Lapis Lazuli, it has a lower transparency and lacks pyrite. In the field, it is commonly found in Brazil (Bahia), Canada (Bancroft), and Namibia.

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