mineral

Sodalite

Na4Al3(SiO4)3Cl (Sodium Aluminum Silicate Chloride)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Royal blue, white, gray, or yellowish. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Isometric. Cleavage: Poor dodecahedral. Specific Gravity: 2.15-2.40.

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue, white, gray, or yellowish
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified August 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Royal blue, white, gray, or yellowish. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Isometric. Cleavage: Poor dodecahedral. Specific Gravity: 2.15-2.40.

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and trachytes, crystallizing from sodium-rich, silica-poor magmas and hydrothermal environments.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in ornamental items, beads, carved objects, and as a collector's mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with lapis lazuli and azurite, but it typically lacks the golden pyrite flecks found in lapis lazuli. It fluoresces a bright orange-red under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its rich royal blue color often mixed with white calcite veins. Commonly found in Canada (Bancroft, Ontario), Greenland, India, Namibia, and the USA.