Enter our Virtual Gallery of Sodalite Mineral Specimens

---

MINERALMINERS.COM_®- Your Personal 'Link' Direct to the Mines!_TM

Sodalite: Mineral Information Page

Links To Sodalite Information Topics On This Page:
Sodalite Items in our VIRTUAL GALLERY
Physical Properties
Background Info
Occurance and Diagnostic Features
History and Uses
Metaphysical Properties

SODALITE ITEMS IN OUR VIRTUAL GALLERY:
(Select any of these links to enter our Virtual Gallery)

• Sodalite Mineral Specimens
  
• Sodalite Spheres
  
• Sodalite Lapidary Rough
  
• Spectacular Sodalite Decorator and Collector Specimens
  
• Sodalite Jewelry
  
• Handcrafted Sodalite Items/Gifts
  

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• Sodalite Chemical composition: Na₈(AlSiO₄)₆Cl₂
• Class: tectosilicate
• Crystal system: isometric
• Crystal habit: commonly as anhedral masses or as imbedded grains. Crystals are rare, usually with dodecahedral terminations.
• Twinning: twinning on {111} is very rare
• Specific gravity: 2.15 - 2.40
• Index of refraction: 1.483-1.487
• Birefringence: none (isotropic)
• Pleochroism: none
• Hardness: 5.5 to 6
• Color: usually in shades of blue, also white, gray, green or pink
• Luster: vitreous, greasy
• Transparency: translucent to transparent
• Cleavage: poor on {011}
• Fracture: uneven to conchoidal
• Streak: white

SODALITE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid group. These minerals are chemically similar to the feldspars but have considerably less silica, forming from alkali-rich silica-poor melts.

Sodalite occurs in a blue massive form which is a popular lapidary material. Sodalite also occurs as a minor constituent in the mineral aggregate lapis lazuli.

OCCURRENCE AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

Sodalite occurs mainly in undersaturated (silica-poor) igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites, phonolites, trachytes and related rock types in association with alkali feldspars (albite, orthoclase, sanidine), nepheline and cancrinite. Also found (rarely) in metasomatic carbonates with calcite and albite.

Sodalite is usually distinguished by its blue color, which is typically a darker blue compared to the rich ultramarine hue of lapis lazuli, also lacking the pyrite which is commonly associated with lapis lazuli. Soluble in HCL with gelatinous silica residue.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND USES

The name sodalite is in reference to its high sodium content.

Sodalite is used as a lapidary material in the manufacture of carvings, spheres, beads, cabochons, etc... Sodalite faceted gems of fine color are very beautiful but generally lacking in transparency.

The astrological sign of sodalite is Sagittarius.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Sodalite is said to increase one's confidence and to enhance creativity, and to have a balancing effect on one's emotions and mental state. It is also said to enhance self expression and communication, to eliminate confusion, bring peace and to facilitate spiritual growth.

Sodalite is said to help prevent diabetes and to help strengthen the lymphatic system. It also is said to be usefall in the treatment of digestive system disorders.

For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.

This is the end of our Sodalite Factsheet and Information page.