mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Royal blue to deep violet-blue, often with white calcite veining; 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 (nepheline syenites and phonolites) and some contact metamorphic rocks. It develops as a result of sodium-rich hydrothermal processes. It is generally associated with the Cenozoic era, though occurrences vary by location.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a decorative gemstone in jewelry (cabochons, beads), as ornamental carvings, and occasionally in industrial applications as a component of pigments or in interior design for countertops and tiles.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but it lacks the golden pyrite inclusions found in Lapis. It was first discovered in Greenland in 1811 but became popularized in 1891 when large deposits were found in Ontario, Canada, earning it the nickname 'Princess Blue' after Princess Margaret of England visited the site.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its intense blue color and characteristic white streaks of calcite. Unlike Lapis, it has a lower specific gravity and lacks pyrite. Common locations include Bancroft (Ontario), Brazil, Namibia, Greenland, and Russia. Collectors look for deep color saturation and minimal white spotting.