Sodalite Gemstone Information
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About Sodalite - History and Introduction
Sodalite is a striking blue gemstone known for its vibrant color and intriguing composition. Often recognized for its deep royal blue hue, sometimes speckled with white or gray, sodalite has been treasured by gemstone enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and collectors alike. This unique stone is primarily composed of sodium, aluminum, and silicate, giving it both its rich color and distinct properties. Sodalite gem is typically a deep blue mineral that gets its name from its sodium content. A sodalite deposit was discovered in Greenland in 1806 and then sodalite ornaments were seen in 1891, when larger deposits of gem-quality material were found in Ontario, Canada. Apart from blue, sodalite can be gray, yellow, orange or pink. However, for gemstone use, sodalite is typically blue, and often has white veins running through it. Sodalite is also sometimes sold as "alomite", "blue stone" and "ditroite". Browse through our large selection and discover our collection of loose sodalite for sale.
A pink variety of sodalite is called hackmanite. This purple or pink gemstone was found in gem-quality deposits in 1991, in Quebec. Hackmanite exhibits the rare gemstone phenomenon of tenebrescence (also known as reversible photochromism), which means that it changes color when exposed to sunlight, and the process is reversed when the light changes.
Sodalite can be identified by its deep blue color and strong orange fluorescence. It can sometimes exhibit a violet tint and in opaque form often has white veins or patches running through it, which are composed of calcite. Sodalite is rare in transparent crystal form and can be gray, yellow, orange, blue, violet or colorless.
Sodalite is found in Brazil (Bahia), Greenland, India, Canada (Ontario), Namibia, Russia (the Urals) and the USA (Montana).
Buying Sodalite and Determining Sodalite Gemstone Value Back to Top
Sodalite Color
Sodalite can be gray, yellow, orange or pink. However, for gemstone use, sodalite is typically a deep blue color, similar to the color of lapis lazuli, and often has white veins or patches running through it.
Sodalite Clarity and Luster
Sodalite gemstones tends to exhibit a vitreous luster with a greasy luster on fractures. It is transparent to opaque, and can be interspersed with white calcite inclusions that appear like veins or patches.
Sodalite Cut and Shape
Opaque sodalite tends to be cut en cabochon. It can be cut into ovals, baguettes, rounds or fancy shapes. Transparent material is faceted, and is quite rare.
Sodalite Treatment
Synthetic sodalite has been available since 1975, and is also known as "basic sodalite". Natural sodalite is also widely available and all reputable gem traders declare any synthetic or treated material.
| Chemical Formula: |
Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 Basic copper carbonate |
| Crystal Structure: |
Monoclinic; short, columnar dense aggregates |
| Color: |
White, blue, gray, yellow, orange, pink |
| Hardness: |
5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive Index: |
1.48 |
| Density: |
2.14 to 2.40 |
| Cleavage: |
Indistinct |
| Transparency: |
Transparent to opaque |
| Double Refraction or Birefringence: |
None |
| Luster: |
Vitreous to greasy |
| Fluorescence: |
Strong; orange |
Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.
A violet-pink tenebrescent variety of sodalite is known as hackmanite. Sodalite can also be found in transparent, colorless form. Transparent sodalight is very rare as most sodalite gemstones are violet-blue and opaque. Lapis lazuli is similar in appearance to sodalite, and lapis can even include sodalite as a consituent. Owed to similaries, sodalite can easily be mistaken for lapis lazuli. However, lapis lazuli has a higher specific gravity (density), ranging from 2.5 to 3. Moreover, lapis lazuli is technically defined as a rock, whereas sodalite is a pure mineral by itself.
Sodalite can also be mistaken for blue azurite (also called chessylite) because of its similar blue azure color. However, azurite has a lower hardness rating based on Mohs scale of mineral hardness, ranging from only 3.5 to 4, and azurite is composed of basic copper carbonate. Dumortierite is also similar to sodalite in color, but has a higher Mohs hardness of 7 (up to 8.5 in aggregate form). Lazulite has a similar color and hardness to sodalite, but lacks the fluorescence of sodalite.
Sodalite Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers Back to Top
Sodalite crystals is said to bring logic, inner peace, and calming energy. It is also believed to protect its wearer from negative energy and to help those who wear it to see the positive sides of others. In traditional Hindu belief systems, sodalite is associated with Vishuddha, or the throat chakra. This chakra relates to creation and self-expression. Physically, Vishuddha is linked to the thyroid gland. Sodalite is a non-traditional birthstone for those born in December or under the sign of Sagittarius. In feng shui, sodalite possesses water energy and is thought to benefit occupational domains. Sodalite is said to assist athletes by improving endurance and motivation to achieve goals. Additionally, sodalite sometimes referred to as a "poet's stone" because it is thought to be conducive to writers. Physically, sodalite is considered to be beneficial for the glands and helpful for weight loss, insomnia, calcium deficiency and the sinuses.
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Disclaimer: Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers and Properties are not to be taken as confirmed advice. Traditional, Ceremonial and Mythological Gemstone Lore is collected from various resources and does not represent the sole opinion of SETT Co., Ltd. This information is not to replace the advice of your doctor. Should you have any medical conditions, please see a licensed medical practitioner. GemSelect does not guarantee any claims or statements of healing or astrological birthstone powers and cannot be held liable under any circumstances. |
Sodalite is a fairly versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of gemstone jewelry designs. Sodalite beads are popular in beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Beads can be spherical, tubular, square or tumbled. Sodalite also makes attractive cabochon pendants, rings and earrings. Sodalite can be set in silver, gold or copper. It can be wire-wrapped or used in tribal-style jewelry. Sodalite looks stunning by itself or teamed with white gemstones, such as pearls, quartz or topaz. Since sodalite is rather soft, care should always be taken when wearing sodalite gemstone jewelry, particularly when wearing sodalite rings.
Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.
Evald Nielsen, a Danish silversmith and master of the Goldsmith's Guild of Copenhagen, sold jewelry to people from Denmark, Germany and the USA. He created some unique Art Nouveau pieces with sodalite stones that are now collector's items.
One of the most famous pieces of sodalite is a massive sodalite sphere that is part of the collection at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. This sphere, measuring around 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter, showcases the striking blue color that is characteristic of high-quality sodalite and serves as an educational piece in the museum's mineral collection.
Rolex have used sodalite in the dials of watches for ladies.
Sodalite is also used for decorative stone panels in tables and suchlike. An eighteenth century Qing Dynasty sodalite plaque in a bronze frame was sold for $44,797 at a Christie's auction in Paris, in December 2013.
Sodalite Gemstone Jewelry Care and Cleaning Back to Top
 Sodalite is considered to be fairy tough, but it is also fairly soft at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It's softer than many gemstones, but with care, jewelry and ornaments can last for many generations. Sodalite can be quite sensitive to strong pressure, high temperatures and harsh household chemicals and cleaners. Avoid exposing sodalite to bleach or sulphuric acid. Most sodalite can be cleaned using warm, soapy water, but some dyed materials may not be stable. For dyed or impregnated stones, it's best to test a small area first to ensure stability. Wipe down stones using only a soft cloth and be sure to rinse well to remove any soapy residue.
Always remove any sodalite gems or jewelry before exercising, playing sports or engaging in vigorous household chores. When storing your sodalite gemstones, store them separately from other gems and jewelry to prevent scratches and fractures. It is best to wrap your stones using a soft cloth and place them into a fabric-lined jewelry box for extra protection.
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