mineral

Polished blue banded stone, likely sodalite or blue apatite

Probable sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂; possibly blue apatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark blue, glossy polished surface with lighter blue banding; likely Mohs 5.5–6 (sodalite) or 5 (apatite), with vitreous luster and massive/granular structure. No visible cleavage can be assessed from the image.

Identified August 31, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished blue banded stone, likely sodalite or blue apatite
Scientific name: Probable sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂; possibly blue apatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)
Category: mineral
Identified: August 31, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $5–$30 for a small polished cabochon or tumbled piece; unusual, high-quality material may sell for $40–$100.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Sodalite forms in silica-poor alkaline igneous rocks, while blue apatite occurs in igneous and metamorphic environments; ages vary widely from Precambrian to recent geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary stone for cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects; generally decorative rather than industrial.

Geological facts

The strong blue color and banding are consistent with sodalite-group material, though polished lapidary pieces can be difficult to identify visually without tests.

Field identification & locations

Common sodalite sources include Brazil, Canada, Namibia, and Russia. Check streak, hardness, specific gravity, and fluorescence; avoid scratching the polished surface unless testing is acceptable.