Likely sodalite

Deep blue, opaque to translucent pieces with pale veins; typically vitreous to greasy luster and a massive, rather than obvious crystal, appearance. Hardness is about 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale; cubic crystal system, specific gravity about 2.2–2.4. The photo’s color and veining suggest sodalite, but identification from appearance alone is uncertain.

Sodalite forms in silica-poor, sodium-rich igneous rocks, especially nepheline syenite and related alkaline rocks. It crystallizes during magma cooling; age depends on the deposit.

Used as ornamental stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative building material; lower-grade material is also collected as rough specimens.

Sodalite is often confused with lapis lazuli, but typically lacks lapis’s abundant golden pyrite flecks.

Look for royal-blue color with white calcite veining and no obvious pyrite; confirm with hardness and other tests rather than scratching a finished piece. Notable sources include Canada, Brazil, Namibia, and Russia.