mineral
Tumbled blue stone, likely sodalite
Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂; possibly blue calcite or dyed material
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDeep royal-blue, mottled with white-gray patches and a dull-to-waxy polish; sodalite has Mohs hardness 5.5–6, vitreous luster, cubic crystal structure, and poor cleavage. The rounded shape indicates tumbling and obscures natural crystal form.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Tumbled blue stone, likely sodalite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Deep royal-blue, mottled with white-gray patches and a dull-to-waxy polish; sodalite has Mohs hardness 5.5–6, vitreous luster, cubic crystal structure, and poor cleavage. The rounded shape indicates tumbling and obscures natural crystal form.
Formation & geological history
Sodalite forms in silica-poor, sodium-rich alkaline igneous rocks such as nepheline syenite, generally during Precambrian to younger intrusive events. Major sources include Canada, Brazil, Russia, and Namibia.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and inexpensive collector material; it has little industrial value.
Geological facts
Sodalite is commonly confused with lapis lazuli, but genuine sodalite usually lacks abundant metallic-gold pyrite. Strongly uniform or unusually vivid blue color may indicate dyeing or a different stone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its blue-and-white mottling, moderate hardness, and lack of pyrite; a streak, acid, and hardness test can help distinguish calcite or dyed stone, though testing may damage it. Common tumbled specimens are widely sold in metaphysical and lapidary shops.
