mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue to greyish 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 greyish blue, often with white calcite veining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and phonolites. It can also form in contact metamorphic zones of lime-rich rocks. Common in deposits ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an ornamental gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, statues, and interior design materials like architectural tiles and countertops.

Geological facts

Sodalite is a member of the sodalite group and is known for its high sodium content, which gives it its name. It is often mistaken for lapis lazuli, but unlike lapis, it lacks the golden flecks of pyrite and has a lower specific gravity.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its intense blue color, white calcite streaks, and lack of pyrite. It often fluoresces bright orange under long-wave UV light. Common locations include Bancroft (Ontario), Brazil, Greenland, and Namibia.