igneous
Yooperlite
Sodalite-bearing syenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 5.5-6 on Mohs scale, gray to dark gray daylight appearance, exhibits bright orange-yellow fluorescence under shortwave UV light due to rich sodalite content.
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Physical properties
Hardness 5.5-6 on Mohs scale, gray to dark gray daylight appearance, exhibits bright orange-yellow fluorescence under shortwave UV light due to rich sodalite content.
Formation & geological history
Formed in alkaline igneous intrusions, specifically as glacial erratics originating from the Canadian Shield and deposited around the Great Lakes.
Uses & applications
Popular as a novelty collector mineral and used in ornamental cabochons and jewelry.
Geological facts
First discovered in Lake Superior in 2017, these rocks glow brilliantly when illuminated with ultraviolet light due to chlorine-rich sodalite inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily in the field using a shortwave UV flashlight during night searches along sandy shorelines.
