mineral

Sodalite-bearing rock, likely sodalite-rich syenite or sodalite in feldspathic matrix

Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, with probable feldspar and accessory minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically royal-blue to violet-blue sodalite patches in a white to cream matrix; vitreous to greasy luster, hardness 5.5–6, brittle, generally massive with poor cleavage. The specimen’s coarse granular texture suggests a feldspathic igneous host, though exact identification requires testing.

Identified August 9, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Sodalite-bearing rock, likely sodalite-rich syenite or sodalite in feldspathic matrix
Scientific name: Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, with probable feldspar and accessory minerals
Category: mineral
Identified: August 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a common rough hand specimen; $30–$100+ for vividly blue, well-formed or polished material.

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, sodium-rich alkaline igneous rocks, commonly nepheline syenites, during late magmatic crystallization. Important deposits are generally Precambrian to younger alkaline complexes, including Canada, Brazil, Namibia, and Russia.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental and lapidary stone for cabochons, carvings, beads, and polished slabs; also collected as a mineral specimen. It is less valuable than lapis lazuli but can show attractive blue veining.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with lapis lazuli; genuine sodalite usually lacks abundant metallic-gold pyrite flecks. A white streak and lack of calcite fizz help distinguish it from some blue carbonate rocks.

Field identification & locations

Look for blue color, white streak, hardness around 6, and nonmetallic luster; a UV lamp may produce orange fluorescence in some specimens. The pictured piece could also contain lazurite or blue feldspar, so mineral confirmation would require streak, hardness, and possibly chemical testing.