mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on Mohs scale; Color: typically royal blue, often with white calcite veining; Luster: vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: poor/uneven; Specific Gravity: 2.27 to 2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: typically royal blue, often with white calcite veining
Luster: vitreous to greasy

Identified June 5, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in sodium-rich igneous rocks (nepheline syenites and pegmatites) through hydrothermal processes. It occurs in silica-poor environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, beads, and cabochons. It is also carved into decorative items and ornaments. In industry, it was historically used for pigments.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but unlike Lapis, Sodalite rarely contains golden pyrite flecks and generally has more white calcite veining. It was famously discovered in Greenland in 1811 and became popular when a massive deposit was found in Ontario, Canada, during a royal visit.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep blue color and white veins; it will produce a white streak on a streak plate and may fluoresce bright orange-yellow under UV light. Common locations include Canada (Bancroft), Namibia, Brazil, and Greenland.