mineral
Sodalite
Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue to lavender, often with white calcite streaks; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Poor/indistinct.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Royal blue to lavender, often with white calcite streaks
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Royal blue to lavender, often with white calcite streaks; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Poor/indistinct.
Formation & geological history
Primary formation in igneous rocks that crystallized from sodium-rich magmas. Found in nepheline syenites, trachytes, and phonolites. Often associated with the Grenville Orogeny in locations like Ontario.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and interior decorative stone. It is also a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Sodalite is often mistaken for Lapis Lazuli, but it lacks the brassy pyrite inclusions common in Lapis. It is a member of the feldspathoid mineral group and famous for its 'Hackmanite' variety which shows reversible photochromism.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its deep blue color and distinctive white veining. It is commonly found in Bancroft (Ontario, Canada), Namibia, Brazil, and Greenland. It will often fluoresce orange under short-wave UV light.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic