Mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite (Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2)

Hardness: 5.5 - 6.0; Color: Royal blue to dark blue with white calcite veining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Poor/indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.27 - 2.33.

Hardness: 5
Color: Royal blue to dark blue with white calcite veining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and phonolites, or in contact-metamorphosed calcareous rocks. It crystallizes from sodium-rich Magmas. Deposits vary in age from millions to over a billion years old.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons or beads, ornamental carvings, and architectural finishing (slabs for countertops). It is a popular 'healing crystal' and a common specimen for educational mineral collections.

Geological facts

Sodalite is often confused with Lapis Lazuli, but unlike Lapis, it rarely contains golden pyrite inclusions. It is a major component of the rock 'Hackmanite', a variety that changes color when exposed to sunlight (tenebrescence).

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep blue color and characteristic white streaks of calcite. Notably, most sodalite will fluoresce a bright orange-yellow under short-wave UV light. Common locations include Bancroft (Ontario, Canada), Namibia, Brazil, and Russia.