mineral
Polished sodalite
Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDeep royal-blue, opaque, polished stone with white-gray veining and minor dark inclusions; vitreous to greasy luster, Mohs hardness 5.5–6, cubic crystal system, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.27–2.33.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished sodalite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Deep royal-blue, opaque, polished stone with white-gray veining and minor dark inclusions; vitreous to greasy luster, Mohs hardness 5.5–6, cubic crystal system, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.27–2.33.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a sodium-rich feldspathoid in silica-poor igneous rocks, especially nepheline syenites and related alkaline intrusions, generally in Precambrian to younger continental settings.
Uses & applications
Used as ornamental stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative tile; this small polished cabochon is primarily a lapidary specimen.
Geological facts
Sodalite’s intense blue color can resemble lapis lazuli, but it usually lacks abundant metallic-gold pyrite and commonly shows white calcite veining.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its blue color, white veining, relatively low hardness, and lack of pyrite sparkle; common sources include Canada, Brazil, Namibia, Russia, and Greenland.
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
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous