mineral

Sodalite

Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2

Hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, royal blue color often mottled with white calcite veins, vitreous to greasy luster, isometric crystal system, poor cleavage, specific gravity of 2.27 to 2.33.

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, royal blue color often mottled with white calcite veins, vitreous to greasy luster, isometric crystal system, poor cleavage, specific gravity of 2.27 to 2.33.

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and pegmatites from sodium-rich silica-poor magmas, or through contact metamorphism.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an ornamental gemstone, for lapidary carvings, beads, and sometimes as a decorative architectural stone.

Geological facts

Sodalite was first discovered in 1811 in Greenland and became very popular as an ornamental stone after large deposits were found in Ontario, Canada.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its rich royal blue color combined with distinctive white calcite inclusions and a lack of the brassy pyrite flecks typical of Lapis Lazuli. Commonly found in Canada, Greenland, India, and Brazil.