mineral

Tumbled blue glassy mineral, possibly sodalite or blue aventurine

Identification uncertain; likely sodalite (Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄Cl₂) or blue-dyed quartz/slag-like material

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished fragment with deep navy-blue color, opaque to slightly translucent edges, and vitreous luster. Sodalite has Mohs hardness 5.5–6 and poor cleavage; quartz-based material is harder, about 7. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or abrasion.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled blue glassy mineral, possibly sodalite or blue aventurine
Scientific name: Identification uncertain; likely sodalite (Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄Cl₂) or blue-dyed quartz/slag-like material
Category: mineral
Identified: August 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a small common tumbled piece; $10–$30 if confirmed attractive natural sodalite.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

If sodalite, it formed in silica-poor, sodium-rich alkaline igneous rocks, commonly associated with nepheline syenite. If dyed quartz or industrial glass, it is human-processed; the photograph alone cannot distinguish these confidently.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary stone, bead, cabochon, or decorative tumbled specimen; sodalite is also collected for its blue color. Commercial value is generally modest.

Geological facts

Natural sodalite commonly shows white calcite veining, which is not apparent here. Uniform intense blue color and glassy fracture can indicate dyed quartz, glass, or slag rather than natural sodalite.

Field identification & locations

Check hardness with a steel file or quartz point, inspect for bubbles and conchoidal glass fracture, and use a streak test: sodalite typically gives a white streak. Common sodalite sources include Canada, Brazil, and Afghanistan.