mineral
Sodalite
Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2
Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep royal blue, denim blue with white calcite veins/mottling; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep royal blue, denim blue with white calcite veins/mottling; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33
Formation & geological history
Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites, pegmatites, and associated alkaline igneous environments via magmatic crystallization.
Uses & applications
Used widely as an ornamental stone, for lapidary carving, beads, cabochons, interior countertops, and mineral specimen collecting.
Geological facts
Sodalite is named after its high sodium content. It is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but Sodalite typically lacks the metallic golden pyrite inclusions found in Lapis and features distinct white calcite streaks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its rich blue color with white veining, lack of pyrite, and UV reaction (often fluoresces orange under longwave UV). Commonly found in Canada (Bancroft, Ontario), Brazil, Namibia, Greenland, and Russia.
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sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock