Sodalite
Sodalite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.
Sodalite is a royal-blue feldspathoid mineral, a sodium aluminosilicate often veined with white, widely used as an ornamental stone.
About Sodaliteextended article
Sodalite is a rich royal-blue mineral of the feldspathoid group — a sodium aluminium silicate containing chlorine. Usually massive rather than in crystals, it is recognised by its deep blue colour streaked with white, and it is one of the components of the gem lapis lazuli.
Identifying sodalite
Sodalite is moderately soft (5.5–6), with a blue colour more uniform than lapis (it lacks lapis's brassy pyrite flecks). A related variety, hackmanite, is tenebrescent — it temporarily changes colour in sunlight or UV. Sodalite forms in silica-poor igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites.
Where it is found
Major sources include Brazil (Bahia), the Bancroft area of Ontario in Canada, and Namibia, with classic occurrences in Greenland and elsewhere. Most sodalite reaches the market as polished slabs, spheres and cabochons.
For collectors
Deep, even blue with attractive white veining is the most desirable; sharp crystallised sodalite is uncommon and prized by mineral collectors.
About Sodalite
Sodalite is classified as a silicate mineral in the sodalite group and has the chemical formula Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2. It crystallizes in the isometric system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Specimens usually show dodecahedral crystals (rare); usually massive, granular; veins; disseminated grains in igneous rocks. Its color range is broad, including royal blue to azure-blue (most common collector form), also white, grey, pink, orange, yellow, green, and colorless. The luster is vitreous, sub-vitreous, greasy, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent (crystals); translucent to opaque (massive). The cleavage is poor on {110}. The fracture is uneven, conchoidal, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
Among collectors of crystallized species, Sodalite is a recognized reference. Sodalite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet, Heilongjiang.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodalite?
Sodalite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.
What is the chemical formula of Sodalite?
The chemical formula of Sodalite is Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2.
What crystal system does Sodalite belong to?
Sodalite crystallises in the Isometric crystal system.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.