mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: typically royal blue to grey-blue; Luster: vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: cubic; Cleavage: poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33

Hardness: 5
Color: typically royal blue to grey-blue
Luster: vitreous to greasy

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: typically royal blue to grey-blue; Luster: vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: cubic; Cleavage: poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks (alkaline rocks) like nepheline syenites and phonolites through late-stage hydrothermal or magmatic processes.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary work for carvings, beads, and cabochons; also used as an architectural decorative stone and by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often mistaken for Lapis Lazuli, but it lacks the brassy pyrite inclusions common in Lapis. It is known to fluoresce orange under ultraviolet light.

Field identification & locations

Look for a granular, blue to mottled-grey appearance. Common locations include Canada (Bancroft), Namibia, Brazil, and Greenland. Collectors search for high color saturation.