mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Royal blue to greyish blue, often with white calcite veining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue to greyish blue, often with white calcite veining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Royal blue to greyish blue, often with white calcite veining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33.

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks (nepheline syenites and phonolites) and associated pegmatites. It crystallizes from sodium-rich magma through late-stage hydrothermal processes.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and interior decorative stones like countertops or floor tiles.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often nicknamed 'Princess Blue' after Princess Margaret of Wales visited the Bancroft mines in Ontario, Canada, and chose the stone for her London residence. It is often confused with Lapis Lazuli but lacks the golden pyrite inclusions common in Lapis.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its signature deep blue color with white streaks and its lack of pyrite. In the field, it often fluoresces bright orange under long-wave UV light. Major locations include Canada (Bancroft), Brazil, Greenland, and Namibia.