Sodalite

Sodalite is a deep royal blue mineral, usually streaked or veined with white calcite and sometimes with grey or black patches. It is named for its high sodium content and belongs to the same family of minerals as lazurite, the main component of lapis lazuli. It was first described in 1811 from specimens found in Greenland.

Sodalite is often confused with lapis lazuli, but there are clear differences. Sodalite is usually a slightly darker, more royal or violet-blue with white veins, and it rarely contains the golden flecks of pyrite typical of lapis. It is also lighter in weight and leaves a white streak, while lapis leaves a light blue streak. Most sodalite glows orange under ultraviolet light.

Important sources include Brazil, Canada, Namibia, India, Russia and the USA. In 1901, a large deposit near Bancroft, Ontario, supplied sodalite to decorate Marlborough House in London for a visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the mine is still known as the Princess Sodalite Mine. Hackmanite is a rare variety that changes colour when exposed to light and fades again in the dark.

Sodalite is widely used for beads, cabochons, carvings and spheres. It is generally untreated, although it is sometimes dyed to deepen its colour and is itself sometimes sold as an imitation of lapis lazuli.

Sodalite at a glance

Caring for sodalite

Sodalite is moderately hard (5.5 – 6 on the Mohs scale) and can scratch or chip. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, acids and high heat. Store it separately from harder stones in a soft pouch.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

Sodalite was not widely known until the 19th century, so its folklore is mostly modern. It is sometimes called the "poet's stone" or "stone of truth", and is associated with intuition and insight. Its colour has linked it with the night sky and with wisdom. Sodalite is associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius.

Sodalite is traditionally regarded as a stone of logic, truth and calm communication. Crystal healing lore holds that it brings order and calm to the mind, encourages rational thinking and objectivity, and helps the wearer express feelings clearly. It is also said to ease anxiety and boost self-esteem. It is linked to the throat and third eye chakras.

Related stones

Lapis lazuli, lazurite, hauyne, nosean and hackmanite. Stones that can look similar include lapis lazuli, azurite, dumortierite, blue aventurine, dyed howlite and blue dyed jasper.

For the technically minded

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