mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on Mohs scale; Color: typically denim blue to royal blue with white calcite veins/inclusions; Luster: vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: poor; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.3.

Hardness: 5
Luster: vitreous to greasy

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-poor igneous rocks like nepheline syenites and phonolites. It is also found in contact metamorphic limestones. Geological age varies significantly by deposit location, ranging from Precambrian to more recent igneous events.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons, beads, and carvings. Also used for ornamental objects, architectural accents, and as a collector's specimen. It is sometimes used as a pigment in decorative paints.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but Sodalite lacking the metallic gold-colored pyrite inclusions common in Lapis. It frequently fluoresces bright orange under long-wave ultraviolet light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep blue color and white streaks; unlike Lapis Lazuli, it has a lower specific gravity and lacks pyrite. Common locations include Bancroft (Ontario, Canada), Brazil, Namibia, and Greenland. It is valued by collectors for its fluorescence.