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Sodalite
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The mineral
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is known as Sodalite.
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Sodalite Tumble Stone
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Sodalite comprises its constituent elements (sodium,
aluminium, silicon, oxygen and chlorine) arranged in
the cubic system of crystal symmetry.
(This system of crystal symmetry is the simplest of
all crystal symmetries because it takes the form of
three axes at mutual right-angles, all the same length
as each other.)
Sodalite is mined in many locations and usually occurs
together with nepheline and cancrinite.
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This page includes the following sections:
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Structures of Sodalite
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True crystals of sodalite are rare and are usually rhombdodecahedral.
Sodalite is more commonly found in the form of large granular
masses.
As it is usually supplied commercially in its polished form
(as tumbled stones; wands; massage "wands" - which
are rounded at one end; formed into shapes such as small statues,
or in jewellery), the occurance of sodalite as large granular
masses may not be obvious.
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Distinguishing features
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Blue colour;
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Hardness 5.5 to 6;
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Distinguished from lazurite (which is very similar to sodalite)
by the absence of pyrite - which is associated with lazurite.
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Reddish fluorescencein ultra-violet (UV) light.
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Associations of Sodalite
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Sodalite has many interesting metaphysical characteristics
and is associated with:
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Logical reasoning and clear, rational, thought processes;
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Elimination of confusion and unemotional efficiency;
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Group-work, fellowship, solidarity and commonality of purpose;
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Emotional honesty (primarily with oneself, possibly also
extending to others);
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Uses in crystal healing - including associations with some
specific conditions.
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Colours of Sodalite
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The most common colour of sodalite is blue. Shades vary but
tend to be darker rather than lighter shades of blue. Azure-blue
is particularly common.
Other (less common) colours of sodalite include: colourless,
green, grey-white, light-red, pink and yellow.
The transparency of sodalite ranges from transparent to translucent
but the most common forms of sodalite tend to be translucent
(shades of blue with white streaks and inclusions).
The image above shows how the colours within one sample
of soldalite vary over a distance of approximately 15 mm.
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