Sodalite Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Sodalite?

Although sodalite is best known as a blue-coloured mineral, it also occurs in several other colours.

Blue sodalite often features white or orange-coloured inclusions, which are usually calcite or feldspar. The orange inclusion may also come from some type of staining or oxidation.

The mineral sodalite has no use in industry and is mainly used for decorative purposes and its healing properties.

Sodalite is often mistaken for lapis lazuli and is also used to imitate it. Genuine lapis lazuli often features inclusions of pyrite.
The first notable reference to sodalite was in 1806, during the Napoleonic War. It was identified when a large quantity was sent from Greenland to Denmark.

While in transit, it caught the attention of the British, who had examined it by Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson. He subsequently named this new mineral sodalite to reflect its high sodium content.

Sodalite remained relatively unknown until 1891, when huge deposits were discovered in Bancroft, Ontario. In 1893 several stones went on display at The World's Columbian exposition in Chicago.

Bancroft Ontario, Ice River British Columbia, Litchfield in Maine in the USA, and Brazil are home to the largest commercial sodalite deposits.

It can also be found in smaller quantities in Greenland, Russia, Montana, India, Bolivia, Afghanistan, Namibia, Portugal, Romania, Burma, and Russia.

Although often reported to be a relatively new find, I have seen articles that state sodalite was being used thousands of years ago by ancient civilizations in South America.

In the 1870s, a German geologist found blue beads along with quartz and obsidian arrowheads in the ruins of Tiahuanaco. This pre-Columbian city sits on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. After being analysed, the beads were confirmed to be sodalite.

Sodalite Properties (geology)

Sodalite from Greenland which can look very different is mainly grey or yellow. Other vibrant colours including blue, white, pink, green, and red, are also known.

Some varieties fluoresce under UV light whilst others are tenebrescent. Tenebrescent minerals change colour when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light and then return to their original colour when the light source is removed.

Although the exceptional grade of this type of sodalite makes it suitable for polishing, it rarely is because it's far too rare.

The variety of sodalite that exhibits tenebrescence is known as Hackmanite.

A deposit of exceptionally fine-grade sodalite has recently been discovered in Quebec, Canada. A few polished stones from this locality are beginning to appear on the market.

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sodalite grades 5.5 to 6. Being opaque, when used as a gemstone, it's cut as a cabochon and can be well polished.

Sodalite, a Royal Stone

It's widely reported that in 1901, during a visit to Canada, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became King George V and Queen Mary, fell in love with sodalite. They subsequently had one hundred and thirty tons shipped to the UK. 

The stone is reported to have been used to decorate their home, which was Marlborough House. Although I have seen documentation to confirm the shipment took place, I haven't been able to find anything to confirm sodalite was ever used in Marlborough House.

Not long after they visited Canada, the deposit where sodalite was mined became known as the Princess Sodalite Quarry.

The Princess of Wales subsequently gave the future King George V a letter opener with a sodalite handle and gold blade. It also featured other crystals and a crown at the top of the handle.

A note from her records shows that Queen Mary also had a pair of urns made from sodalite while she was still Princess of Wales.

Sodalite Healing Properties

Sodalite is a stone of endurance that can maximise energy even during the most challenging situations.

It increases confidence and enhances creativity. Sodalite helps alleviate fear, brings clarity of mind and offers psychic protection. When used for meditation it deepens the state, which can enhance the experience.

Sodalite drives towards finding the truth. It makes it possible for you to remain true to yourself and to fight for what you believe in.  

For those who work with people in groups, sodalite brings harmony and solidarity. It encourages trust and friendship between those who are present.

Although the healing properties of sodalite are powerful, it works slowly and gently.

Sodalite enhances self-esteem, removes pessimistic thoughts and replaces negative feelings with positive energy. Over time, it can help you to reach your full potential.

Article Pictures

The sodalite at the top of our article is courtesy of James St.John. 

The second photo is courtesy of Géry Parent.

The third is Hackmanite being illuminated under UV light. Courtesy of Ron Wolf.

The sodalite tumbled stones are from our collection. Pictures are clickable and redirect to the original image.

Pop-up photos: Lapis lazuli - Courtesy of Steve Blyskal. Obsidian arrowhead - Courtesy of James St. John. Sodalite (Ontario) - Courtesy of Alan English.