Sodalite

Hardness: 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale; Color: Royal blue to dark denim blue mottled with white veins/patches of calcite or nepheline; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal system: Isometric; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 2.14 - 2.40.

Formed as an igneous mineral typically crystallizing in alkaline plutonic rocks deficient in silica, such as nepheline syenites, phonolites, and associated pegmatites, as well as in metasomatized marbles.

Commonly carved and polished into decorative objects (such as eggs, spheres, and cabochons), ornamental stone, beads, carvings, and architectural veneers.

Sodalite was first discovered by Europeans in Greenland in 1811, but became widely popular in the late 19th century when vast deposits were found in Ontario, Canada, following a royal visit by Princess Margaret (earning it the nickname 'Princess Blue'). It is often confused with lapis lazuli but lacks golden pyrite inclusions and contains white calcite veins.

Identified by its characteristic rich blue color coupled with white vein networks, hardness capable of scratching glass, and low specific gravity. Notable sources include Bancroft in Ontario, Canada, as well as Brazil, Namibia, Greenland, and Russia.