Sodalite Gemstone

Sodalite Gemstone

Sodalite gets its name from its high sodium content. It is of a basic copper carbonate chemical composition. It is a deep blue mineral with white veins or patches running through it.

Sodalite comes in a wide variety of colors such as white, gray, yellow, orange and pink. However, it is typically the deep blue color which is similar to Lapis Lazuli that is usually used as a gemstone.

Sodalite has a hardness ranging from 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It has an indistinct cleavage. It is transparent to opaque with a glass-like to greasy luster.

Sodalite is also known as Alomite, Blue Stone and Ditroite.

Hackmanite is a violet-pink variety of Sodalite. This beautiful stone displays the rare phenomenon known as tenebrescence (also known as reversible photochromism). Tenebrescence is the ability of minerals to change color when exposed to light. When it is taken out of the sunlight, the color goes back to what it was before being exposed to the light. The effect can be repeated indefinitely but it will be destroyed by heating. Tenebrescent minerals include Spodumene and Tugtupite.

Sodalite can be identified by its strong orange fluorescence and deep blue color. Sometimes it can display a violet tint. Sodalite in its opaque form usually has white veins or patches running through it. These white veins are made up of calcite.

Transparent Sodalite is faceted but it is quite rare. The opaque Sodalite is typically cut en cabochon or into ovals, baguettes, rounds and fancy shapes.

Basic Sodalite is the Synthetic Sodalite that has been in the gemstone market since 1975.

Sodalite looks similar to Lapis Lazuli with the exception that Sodalite has white calcite inclusions. Lapis Lazuli often comes with pyrite inclusions. Lapis Lazuli streak is blue while Sodalite streak is white. Small amounts of Sodalite may be present in some specimens of Lapis Lazuli.

Due to its high sodium content, Sodalite is a pure mineral while Lapis Lazuli is defined as a rock.

Another gemstone that looks similar to Sodalite is Blue Azurite also known as Chessylite. Azurite's Mohs hardness scale ranges from 3.5 to 4 which is lower than Sodalite's which is at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. They also differ in their chemical composition. Azurite is a copper carbonate hydroxide whereas Sodalite is of a basic copper carbonate chemical makeup.

Two other gemstones that may be confused with Sodalite are Dumortierite (which has a Mohs hardness of 7) and Lazulite (which has the same color and hardness to Sodalite). Nevertheless, they both lack the main identifier of a strong orange fluorescence that is found only in Sodalite.

Sodalite resonates with the throat chakra and therefore it aids in public speaking and creativity.

It gives calming energy and inner peace to the wearer. It is sort of a philosopher’s stone because it brings logical reasoning to the wearer.

It protects the wearer from all types of negative energy and helps the wearer see the good side in others.

It is believed that Sodalite possesses the energy of water and brings great benefits to houses, apartments, or offices. Feng Shui practitioners love this beautiful stone.

It is a sacred stone that helps the wearer in achieving his or her goals.

Sodalite is known as the Stone of Poets because it is believed that it gives inspiration to poets and writers. And just by looking at a photo of Sodalite I can understand why this is so.

Sodalite is popular in beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Beads can be spherical, tubular, square or tumbled. Sodalite en cabochon pendants, rings and earrings are so beautifully attractive. It is a stunning gemstone piece especially when accompanied with other gemstones such as quartz, topaz and pearls.

This lovely stone has been used by Rolex in the dials of watches for ladies.

To clean your Sodalite use a soft cloth with soap and water. Remember to rinse and remove all soapy residue.

For dyed or impregnated Sodalite, it is best to test an area first or just use a soft cloth. Avoid exposing sodalite to bleach or sulfuric acid and high temperatures.

Sodalite is found in Brazil, Greenland, India, Canada, Namibia, Russia (the Urals) and in the United States.