The Mineralogy of Sodalite
Sodalite is a rich blue tectosilicate mineral with boron traces and is popular as an ornamental gemstone. Although sodalite stones are found in many colors, deep blue with white streaks or patterns is the most desirable.
Sodalite
About Sodalite Gemstone
Sodalite is a beautiful blue stone used for centuries to create stunning jewelry and other decorative items. This gemstone is relatively rare, which contributes to its high value, and is commonly found in Brazil, Russia, and Canada.
The gemstone was first described in 1811 by Europeans in Greenland and was named after its high sodium content.
It is a wonderful stone for anyone in the creative field, enhancing creativity and inspiration. It can also be helpful for those who need to focus and communicate more clearly.
Blue sodalite is associated with the throat chakra, which is associated with communication and speaking one’s truth. Its healing properties also bring emotional balance and strengthen the immune system and self-esteem.
Sodalite has thus been called the Poet’s Stone, the Stone of Creatives, and the Stone of Truth.
Structure
The cubic bipartite sodalite structure (type VII) found in 2Sr@B6C6 clathrates comprises sp3-bonded truncated octahedral (carbon-boron) C12B12 host enclosures that encase Sr2+ guest cations. This one-of-a-kind crystal has diamond-like bonding and the possibility for a wide range of compounds with tailored properties by incorporating atoms within the cage.
The abundance of boron in all rocks containing fresh sodalite is high at 250-280 μg/g, but it drops off dramatically when you get to minerals without added chemicals like augite syenites (4-6 μg/g) or alkali granites which contain only 7 μg/g.
Physical Properties
| Sodalite | Physical Properties |
|---|---|
| Compound Formula | Na4Al3Si3O12Cl |
| Color | Rich royal blue, Green, Yellow, Violet, Grey, Red, and White veining |
| Hardness (on Mohs Scale) | 5.5-6 |
| Crystal System | Isomeric |
| Crystal Habit | Massive; rarely as dodecahedra |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Luster | Dull vitreous to greasy |
| Streak | White |
| Specific Gravity | 2.27-2.33 |
Source: Sodalite
Healing Properties
1. Facilitates Communication
Sodalite is a popular stone for people who want to improve their communication abilities. This stone is believed to assist in speaking clearly and confidently and keeping emotions in check during heated discussions. It may also assist you in better understanding others and the significance behind their words. This enhanced communication can then lead to increased cooperation within groups.
2. Improves Intuition
This is an excellent crystal for increasing your intuition. It can help you interpret the guidance you’re receiving more accurately and make it easier for you to follow your intuition.
3. Promotes the Truth
It can promote honesty, particularly concerning speaking the truth (or your truth). This stone is so good for communication that it can assist you in finding the right words when needed.
4. Associates with the third-eye chakra
Sodalite promotes the third-eye chakra, which is concerned with intuition. It also helps to calm the mind during meditation.
5. Boosts Self-esteem
It’s no wonder the poet’s stone is the stone of courage. This powerful gemstone has a long history of helping people stand up for themselves and confidently communicate their truth.
6. Assists in overcoming negative thinking
It can assist you in breaking through a negative self-talk loop.
7. Improves Intellectual Ability
One of the most popular benefits is its ability to help keep you calm and collected. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it can be a helpful stone to have on hand. It promotes mental clarity and peace of mind, which can be beneficial when learning new information or focusing on a task. It is also said to promote creativity and self-expression.
Sodalite Zodiac Birthstone
Sodalite is one of the best zodiac birthstones for those born under the sign of Sagittarius. This zodiac sign is associated with exploration, adventure, and higher learning. The poet’s stone is known for its soothing properties, which can be a welcome relief for the active and restless Sagittarius.
As an honest and straightforward sign, Sagittarians are frequently at the center of turbulent situations. The gemstone can assist in tempering this honesty with tactfulness, ensuring that the truth is always delivered in the best possible way.
Sagittarians are often guided by their feelings and intuition rather than logic and reason when making decisions. This can lead to some impulsive decisions, but it also means that they are open to new experiences and willing to take risks.
While this approach may not always be the most sensible, it does mean that Sagittarians are usually open-minded and tolerant of others.
Where Can You Find Sodalites?
Canada produces a significant proportion of gem-quality material. Bancroft, Ontario, has massive amounts of deep blue substance with reddish streaks. Sources can be found in many provinces, such as British Columbia.
Ohopoho, Namibia, produces intense, solid blue, occasionally translucent, nearly transparent material.
Other remarkable gem-quality locations are as follows:
United States, Maine, Colorado, Montana, Massachusetts, South Dakota, and New Hampshire.
Bolivia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Greenland, Guinea, India, Norway, Russia, and Scotland.
Similar Stones
Sodalite is a beautiful stone often confused with lapis lazuli. The similar coloration makes it difficult to tell the difference, even though lapis lazuli includes this gemstone.
The density of lapis lazuli is much higher. However, based on some of their appearance, these two are very similar stones. Lazulite, Azurite, and dumortierite are the stones that often get confused with sodalite due to their appearance.
Ways to Use Sodalite
This beautiful blue mineral is used for various purposes, from jewelry to home decor. But it can also be used to help promote peace and calm.
Here are some ways to use this crystal in your life:
- Keep a piece of gemstone in your pocket or purse when you stumble or muster the courage to speak.
- Place these stones around your home to enhance communication, confidence, intuition, and mental clarity.
- Add some crystals to your meditation space or altar to help promote peace and stillness during your practice.
- Incorporate this into your crystal healing practice by using it to balance the Throat Chakra.
- It can be worn as jewelry, especially as a necklace or an earring.
- Incorporate this gemstone into a chakra-balancing ritual bath.
A Final Note
Sodalite is a magnificent example of how stones can enhance your life. While most stones are striking white and blue shades, there are numerous variants of these gemstones, including yellow and orange shades, purple and grey, or simply colorless.
Another type of Sodalite is Hackmanite, a rare and valuable stone that appears to be the nearest thing to miracles due to its ability to absorb sunlight and change color with its sun sensitivity, a condition called tenebrescence.
