mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5-6 Mohs. Color: Deep royal blue, often with white calcite veining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: Poor. Specific gravity: 2.2-2.3.

Hardness: 5
Color: Deep royal blue, often with white calcite veining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 Mohs. Color: Deep royal blue, often with white calcite veining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: Poor. Specific gravity: 2.2-2.3.

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites, phonolites, and related rocks. Often found in hydrothermal environments or contact metamorphism of limestone.

Uses & applications

Widely used for ornamental jewelry (cabochons and beads), decorative carvings, architecture (veneers), and as a collector's specimen.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but unlike Lapis, Sodalite rarely contains golden pyrite inclusions. It is known to fluoresce orange under ultraviolet light.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive blue color, lack of pyrite, and white calcite streaks. Commonly found in Bancroft (Ontario, Canada), Namibia, Brazil, and Greenland. It is softer than lapis.