mineral

Sodalite

Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2 (Sodium Aluminum Silicate Chloride)

Hardness: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Royal blue to dark blue with white or pinkish calcite veins/mottling; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Specific Gravity: 2.27-2.33; Cleavage: Poor/dodecahedral

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites, phonolites, and associated pegmatites. It crystallizes during the late stage of magma cooling in alkaline environments.

Uses & applications

Popular ornamental stone, used for beads, cabochons, carvings, decorative objects, and rock tumbling. Occasionally used as an gemstone or mineral display specimen.

Geological facts

Sodalite gets its name from its high sodium content. It is often confused with lapis lazuli, but sodalite lacks the golden pyrite inclusions typical of lapis lazuli and features prominent white calcite streaks instead.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its rich deep blue color laced with white calcite stringers. Unlike lapis lazuli, it does not contain flecks of yellow pyrite. Found in Brazil, Canada (Bancroft, Ontario), Greenland, Russia, Namibia, and the USA.

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sedimentary

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Metamorphic

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sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

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Mineral/Rock