mineral
Polished sodalite pendant
Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, likely with minor albite or nepheline
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDeep royal-blue, opaque to translucent, with cloudy white veining; vitreous to greasy luster and typically massive rather than visibly crystalline. Mohs hardness 5.5–6, poor cleavage, white streak, and specific gravity about 2.14–2.40; the metal setting and polishing are human-processed.
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Physical properties
Deep royal-blue, opaque to translucent, with cloudy white veining; vitreous to greasy luster and typically massive rather than visibly crystalline. Mohs hardness 5.5–6, poor cleavage, white streak, and specific gravity about 2.14–2.40; the metal setting and polishing are human-processed.
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-poor, sodium-rich igneous rocks such as nepheline syenite and associated pegmatites, generally during Precambrian to younger alkaline magmatic activity. Important deposits occur in Canada, Brazil, Namibia, and Russia.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental and cabochon gemstone, beads, carvings, and jewelry; it has little industrial use compared with feldspar or nepheline. Value is mainly determined by color, pattern, size, polish, and silver craftsmanship.
Geological facts
It is commonly confused with lapis lazuli, but sodalite usually lacks abundant metallic-gold pyrite flecks. Strong blue color is associated with sulfur-bearing sodalite-group chemistry.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its intense blue color, white calcite-like patches, moderate hardness, and lack of pyrite; a scratch test should be avoided on jewelry. Common rough material comes from Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and Brazil.
