mineral

Blue stone fragments, likely sodalite or lapis lazuli

Sodalite (Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂) or lazurite-bearing lapis lazuli

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small dark-blue, opaque pieces with lighter mottling and a dull-to-glassy luster; likely hardness 5–6 on the Mohs scale, with no obvious cleavage visible. The image is too distant for confident mineral identification.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

These minerals form in silica-poor, sodium-rich igneous or metamorphic environments; lapis lazuli commonly forms by contact metamorphism of carbonate rocks. Geological ages vary by locality.

Uses & applications

Used as ornamental stone, beads, carvings, pigment, and collector specimens; lapis lazuli is also used in jewelry.

Geological facts

Sodalite is commonly royal blue with white calcite veining, while lapis lazuli typically contains blue lazurite plus white calcite and sometimes brassy pyrite.

Field identification & locations

Check for white calcite veining, metallic pyrite flecks, streak color, hardness, and reaction to dilute acid on suspected calcite; a closer image or locality information is needed for a firm identification. Common sources include Afghanistan, Chile, Canada, and Brazil.