mineral
Sodalite
Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, royal blue to grayish color, vitreous to greasy luster, isometric crystal system, poor cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.3.
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Physical properties
Hardness 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, royal blue to grayish color, vitreous to greasy luster, isometric crystal system, poor cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.3.
Formation & geological history
Forms in sodium-rich igneous rocks like nepheline syenites from cooling magma chambers.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental gemstone, for carved decorative objects, and occasionally in lapidary work.
Geological facts
Sodalite is the primary mineral component of the ornamental rock lapis lazuli, though it can also form massive standalone deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its rich royal blue color, often interspersed with white calcite veins; commonly found in Canada, Greenland, and India.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous