mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Royal blue, mottled with white calcite or black inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Cubic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific gravity: 2.27 to 2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue, mottled with white calcite or black inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and phonolites. It often crystallizes late in the cooling process of magmatic fluids rich in sodium and chlorine. Found in deposits ranging from Precambrian to more recent geological eras.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for ornamental objects, carvings, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry (cabochons and beads). Also used industrially as a zeolite for its cation exchange properties.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often mistaken for Lapis Lazuli, but unlike Lapis, it rarely contains golden pyrite inclusions and is generally less expensive. It was famously discovered in Greenland in 1811 and became popular in jewelry after a large deposit was found in Ontario, Canada, in 1891.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinctive 'royal blue' color with white streaks of calcite. Unlike minerals like azurite, it does not fizz with hydrochloric acid. Common locations include Bancroft (Ontario, Canada), Namibia, Brazil, and Russia.