Sodalite
Image: No machine-readable author provided. Kluka assumed (based on copyright claims). (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameSodalite
Chemical FormulaNa₄Al₃Si₃O₁₂Cl
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {110}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.25
Colorsblue, gray, white, green, pink
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBancroft, Ontario, Canada
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralsnepheline, cancrinite, alkali feldspar, aegirine
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a rough, dark blue to grayish-blue specimen of sodalite, showing a granular texture, held between two fingers.
Geological Context
Sodalite typically forms in silica-undersaturated igneous rocks, such as nepheline syenites and phonolites, and can also be found in metasomatic rocks.
