Sodalite
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Sodalite is a deep royal-blue sodium aluminosilicate marked by white calcite veining that gives it a streaked appearance and distinguishes it from lapis lazuli, with which it is often confused. Named for its high sodium content, it forms in phonolite, trachyte, and nephelinite igneous rocks, with significant deposits in Brazil, Canada, Namibia, and the Oman Mountains. An especially vibrant variety from the Bahia state of Brazil, marketed as Princess Blue, is prized for ornamental objects and jewelry. With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, sodalite is relatively soft and is most often worked into beads, cabochons, and carvings rather than faceted stones.
Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
5.0 – 6.0
Specific Gravity
2.15 – 2.4
Refractive Index
1.478 – 1.488
Crystal System
Isometric
Luster
Vitreous,Greasy
Cleavage
Indistinct
Fracture
Uneven
Color
various
Dispersion
0.018
Pleochroism
Absent
Mohs Hardness
| Mohs | Reference mineral | Sodalite |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | |
| 4 | Fluorite | |
| 5 | Apatite | ● |
| 6 | Orthoclase | ● |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Sodalite
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
Sodalite is reported to lose its color on heating and regain it on irradiation (Przibram and Caffyn, 1956), indicating the probable presence of a color center - Nassau (1984)
5 to 6Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
2.15 to 2.40Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
BrittleAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
IndistinctWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) More from other references
1.478 to 1.488Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
IsotropicUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
AbsentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
0.018Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Blue, blue-violetUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Blue, interstitial oxygen ion O- near Al or Si. Pink, (hackmanite), unstable electron substituting for Cl- in a tetrahedron of Na+ ionsW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
Transparent,Translucent,OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Vitreous,GreasyArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Strong; orangeWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
IsometricHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Polycrystalline aggregate, commonly with white veinsUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Formed in nepheline syenites, phonolites, and related rock types. In metasomatized calcareous rocks, and in cavities in ejected volcanic blocks.Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
White calcite patches and veins. No pyrite inclusions unlike lapis. Translucent sodalite: small black inclusions common - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 9
Sodalite information at mindat.org
Bolivia
Greenland
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 453
Myanmar
[var: Hackmanite]
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
[var: Hackmanite] Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
[var: Hackmanite] Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
[var: Hackmanite] Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
[var: Hackmanite] Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
[var: Hackmanite]
[var: Hackmanite] Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
About Sodalite
方钠石是一种深蓝色至皇家蓝的硅酸盐矿物，常伴有白色方解石或长石脉纹，有时被误认为青金石。以较低的折射率和典型的蜡状光泽著称，部分品种在紫外线下会发出橙色或粉色荧光。加拿大、巴西和纳米比亚是主要产地，常被切割成素面宝石或用于雕刻和装饰品。
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On this page
Jewelry Use
Durability
4/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sodalite?
方钠石是一种深蓝色至皇家蓝的硅酸盐矿物，常伴有白色方解石或长石脉纹，有时被误认为青金石。以较低的折射率和典型的蜡状光泽著称，部分品种在紫外线下会发出橙色或粉色荧光。加拿大、巴西和纳米比亚是主要产地，常被切割成素面宝石或用于雕刻和装饰品。
What is the hardness of Sodalite?
Sodalite has a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 6.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Sodalite?
Sodalite is primarily Various.
How much does Sodalite cost?
Sodalite falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Sodalite?
Sodalite belongs to the Isometric crystal system.