mineral

Tumbled sodalite

Sodalite, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Deep royal-blue, polished vitreous-to-waxy luster with white veining; hardness 5.5–6 Mohs, massive cubic crystal structure, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.25–2.35. The specimen appears blue sodalite, though lapis lazuli is a possible visual look-alike.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in sodium-rich, silica-poor igneous rocks, especially nepheline syenites and related alkaline environments, generally during Precambrian to younger geological events. Common sources include Canada, Brazil, Namibia, and Russia.

Uses & applications

Used as ornamental stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and small polished specimens; rarely used as a low-grade decorative stone in interiors. It has modest collector value.

Geological facts

Sodalite’s intense blue color comes mainly from sulfur-related defects in its structure. It is commonly confused with lapis lazuli, but lapis typically contains visible golden pyrite and is a rock mixture rather than a single mineral.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by uniform blue color, white calcite-like veins, relatively low hardness, and lack of metallic-gold pyrite. A scratch test, streak test, or mineral analysis is needed for certainty because the image shows a small polished specimen.