
mineral
Sodalite
Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Royal blue to greyish blue with white veins; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.4
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Royal blue to greyish blue with white veins
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Sodalite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Royal blue to greyish blue with white veins; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.4
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous rocks that crystallized from sodium-rich magmas (nepheline syenites) and sometimes in contact metamorphic rocks. Frequently found in pegmatitic environments.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and architectural elements. It is also a popular collector or 'healing' stone.
Geological facts
Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but it lacks the golden pyrite inclusions found in Lapis and is much less expensive. It belongs to the feldspathoid group of minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its intense blue color, white calcite streaks, and lack of pyrite. Commonly found in Canada (Ontario), Brazil, Namibia, and Greenland.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous