mineral

Sodalite

Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Royal blue, greyish-white, or pink; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue, greyish-white, or pink
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Royal blue, greyish-white, or pink; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Formation & geological history

Forms in sodium-rich igneous rocks (nepheline syenites and phonolites) through late-stage hydrothermal processes. It belongs to the feldspathoid group and is found in silica-undersaturated environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as an ornamental gemstone for beads, carvings, and tumbled stones. It is also used as an architectural material for countertops and in industrial pigments (though Lapis Lazuli is more traditional for this).

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli; however, Sodalite rarely contains the golden pyrite flecks common in Lapis and generally has a lower specific gravity. It was first discovered in Greenland in 1811 and became popular after large deposits were found in Ontario, Canada.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its rich blue color with frequent white streaks (veins) of calcite. Under UV light, some specimens may exhibit orange or yellow fluorescence. Commonly found in Bancroft (Ontario), Brazil, Namibia, and Russia.