Gemstone profile and identification guide
Sodalite
Sodalite is a blue feldspathoid mineral commonly used as an opaque ornamental gemstone.
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Overview
Sodalite is a blue feldspathoid mineral commonly used as an opaque ornamental gemstone.
Did you know? Sodalite often fluoresces orange under UV when associated with hackmanite-type material.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Sodalite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Feldspathoid: Sodalite)
Hardness: 5.75 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Blue
Secondary colour: Blue White
Colour family: Blues
Opaque royal-blue body colour with white veining and feldspathoid association are key identification features.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are given as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 5.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Sodium aluminum chlorosilicate [Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2]
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Brazil (Bahia), Namibia, Canada (Ontario), Russia (Kola Peninsula), Pakistan
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Opaque royal blue feldspathoid commonly mottled with white calcite.
Optical effects: Fluorescence (variable)
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Sodalite
Mineral group: Feldspathoid group
Chemical formula: Sodium aluminum chlorosilicate [Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2]
Mohs hardness: 5.75
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: Poor in two directions
Fracture: Uneven to conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.14-2.40
Refractive index: 1.479-1.483
Optical phenomena: Fluorescence (variable)
Colour range: Blue to royal blue, often with white veining
Common inclusions: Calcite veining, pyrite specks, nepheline intergrowths
Geological environment: Silica-undersaturated alkaline igneous rocks
Principal mining regions: Brazil (Bahia), Namibia, Canada (Ontario), Russia (Kola Peninsula), Pakistan
Important commercial sources: Commercial sodalite is produced mainly in Brazil and Namibia, with notable ornamental material from Canada
Historical significance: Used as decorative stone since major Canadian discoveries in the late 19th century.
Common treatments: Waxing and impregnation may be used.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed composites and glass can imitate sodalite.
Common look-alikes: Lapis lazuli, dyed howlite, blue glass
Jewellery uses: Used in beads, cabochons, carvings, inlay, and decorative objects.
Care recommendations: Moderate hardness and cleavage sensitivity require gentle wear; avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Sodalite.
Formation
Crystallizes in silica-undersaturated igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and related pegmatitic settings.
Origin
Commercial sodalite is produced mainly in Brazil and Namibia, with notable ornamental material from Canada
Uses
Best for: Used in beads, cabochons, carvings, inlay, and decorative objects.
Ideal uses: Decorative carvings and jewellery emphasizing saturated blue colour.
Care
Moderate hardness and cleavage sensitivity require gentle wear; avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Sodalite FAQ
How can I identify Sodalite?
Compare hardness (5.75 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Sodalite appear in?
Opaque royal blue feldspathoid commonly mottled with white calcite.
Where is Sodalite commonly used?
Decorative carvings and jewellery emphasizing saturated blue colour.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.