mineral

Tumbled sodalite beads

Sodalite, Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2, commonly with minor white calcite or nepheline

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Usually deep royal blue to blue-gray with white veining or patches; vitreous to greasy luster; Mohs hardness 5.5–6; cubic crystal system, generally massive and lacking visible cleavage. The rounded, glossy surfaces indicate polished/tumbled material.

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-poor, sodium-rich alkaline igneous rocks, especially nepheline syenites, through late-stage hydrothermal or magmatic processes. Most specimens are geologically Precambrian to younger, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornamental stone, and small polished specimens; less commonly used as architectural stone. It is a popular but generally affordable lapidary material.

Geological facts

Sodalite is commonly confused with lapis lazuli, but lapis usually contains abundant golden pyrite and is a rock mixture rather than a single mineral. Some sodalite fluoresces orange or pink under ultraviolet light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its saturated blue color, relatively low hardness, white calcite veining, and absence of abundant metallic pyrite; it is commonly found in Canada, Brazil, Namibia, and Russia. A scratch test and UV response can help, though beads may be dyed or treated.