mineral
Polished blue sodalite
Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, commonly with nepheline, calcite, or lazurite inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically deep royal to denim blue with white or gray veining and a vitreous to greasy luster; hardness 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, cubic crystal system, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.27–2.33.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished blue sodalite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Typically deep royal to denim blue with white or gray veining and a vitreous to greasy luster; hardness 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, cubic crystal system, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.27–2.33.
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-poor, sodium-rich igneous rocks such as nepheline syenite and associated pegmatites. Most material is Cenozoic to Precambrian in age, depending on locality.
Uses & applications
Used as a decorative stone, cabochon, bead, tumbled stone, and ornamental carving material; it is generally less valuable than lapis lazuli but attractive in jewelry.
Geological facts
The blue color comes mainly from sulfur-related defects in the sodalite structure; white calcite veining is common and helps distinguish it from uniform blue stones.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include Canada, Brazil, Namibia, Russia, and the United States. Identify it by its opaque blue body, white veining, moderate hardness, and lack of the abundant golden pyrite typical of lapis lazuli.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary