mineral

Tumbled sodalite (probable)

Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂; possibly blue-dyed jasper or lapis lazuli

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-gray, opaque, and polished with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; sodalite has Mohs hardness 5.5–6, cubic crystal structure, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.2–2.4. The yellow-brown areas may be matrix or staining.

Identified August 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-poor, alkaline igneous rocks such as nepheline syenite, generally during Precambrian to younger alkaline magmatic events. Tumbled specimens are mechanically polished from mined rough.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as an ornamental stone, cabochon, bead, and inexpensive collector specimen; rarely used for industrial purposes.

Geological facts

Sodalite is commonly deep royal blue with white calcite veining, while lapis lazuli typically contains visible golden pyrite flecks. Reliable identification may require hardness, streak, or mineralogical testing.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Canada, Brazil, Russia, and Namibia. Look for blue color, white calcite patches, and lack of metallic pyrite; avoid assuming identity from color alone because dyed stones resemble it.