mineral

Tumbled blue sodalite (probable)

Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂; possibly lapis-lazuli if lazurite is present

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 5.5–6 Mohs; deep royal-blue, opaque, with a vitreous to waxy polish and commonly white calcite veining. It has a cubic crystal structure but shows no cleavage in this rounded specimen; specific gravity is about 2.2–2.4.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled blue sodalite (probable) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-poor, sodium-rich igneous rocks such as nepheline syenite, generally in Precambrian to younger alkaline complexes. Common sources include Canada, Brazil, Namibia, and Afghanistan.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and inexpensive tumbled specimens; rarely used architecturally. Typical value is about $2–$15 for a small tumbled stone, or $20–$100 for attractive larger pieces.

Geological facts

The photograph shows a small polished blue stone with mottled lighter areas, consistent with sodalite but not diagnostic from an image alone. Lapis lazuli is a close visual alternative and contains lazurite plus calcite and pyrite.

Field identification & locations

Check for white calcite veins, lack of metallic gold pyrite, and hardness below quartz; a streak test is usually pale blue-white. The specimen is most likely a commercial tumbled stone rather than an identifiable raw rock.