mineral

Sodalite

Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

Explore Sodalite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

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.