Sodalite semiprecious gemstone index and mineral information

This beautiful blue stone has a high content of sodium. Sodalite is member of the feldspathoid group of minerals; which are similar to feldspar but with less content of silica. It occurs in syenite and trachyte rocks, as well as pegmatite. It is also found in volcanic ejecta and in contact metamorphosed limestones and dolomites. Sodalite is a component of lapis lazuli, but, unlike it, lacks the contrasting golden yellow pyrite and has a lower density, which is quite noticeable.

Sodalite is usually found in lavender blue to a greenish yellow color; but only the strong blue color is popular for jewelry and ornaments. Sodalite is called “Canadian Bluestone.” It was officially discovered in commercial quantity in Canada, where it is mined in the Bancroft Mine; (known as the “Princess Mine”), and in Dungannon Township, Hastings County Ontario, Eastern Canada.

Sodalite sometimes contains stripes of white calcite which enhance its beauty. It is generally cut flat or as a cabochon. Sodalite is believed to enhance understanding and concentration, and also to bolster courage. It also called the “wisdom stone.”

Besides the large deposits of Sodalite in Bancroft, (Canada), other major deposits are in the Ice River complex, Brithish Columbia, (western Canada), Litchfield, Kennebec County, Maine, northeastern (United States), Magnet Cove, Arkansas, (United States), Ilimaussaq, (Greenland), and Cerro Sapo (Bolivia). Clear crystals are found in the calcium-rich lavas of Vesuvius (Italy).

Sodalite can be confused with azurite, dumortierite, hauynite, lapis lazuli, and lazulite. Synthetic sodalite has been in the market since 1975

.Mohs’ hardness: 5 ½ – 6