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Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Sodalite

Also known asBlue-vein Stone (not a recommended name) · Blue-veined Stone (not a recommended name)

A mineral species whose GB/T basic name is "Sodalite". The material often has white veining and is also sold under the trade name "blue-vein stone". Also known as Blue-vein Stone, Blue-veined Stone. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.

Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.

Edited by JuneReviewed by RalphLast updated 2026-10-13Who maintains this page

FAQCare and wear

Questions people ask about Sodalite

Every sentence below is followed by the registered fact it rests on; answers add no new facts and promise no outcome.

Q1What is the difference between sodalite and lapis lazuli?

Sodalite is a single, distinct mineral species, named for its sodium content.Handbook of MineralogyLapis lazuli, by contrast, is a rock made of several minerals, including members of the sodalite group.G&G Fall 2022Sodalite is usually a dark blue to violetish blue, often veined with white, and only rarely grey, yellow, green or pink.CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024Laboratories separate them by fluorescence and streak: sodalite may fluoresce intense orange under ultraviolet light and leaves a white or pale blue streak, while lazurite is inert and leaves a bright blue streak.G&G Spring 2000

Q2Does sodalite glow under UV light?

Some sodalite shows bright red-orange fluorescence under long-wave and short-wave UV and may be photochromic, so not every piece glows.Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite) +1Hackmanite is the variety of sodalite that changes colour on exposure to light (tenebrescence), and many gem-quality stones from Myanmar and Afghanistan show it strongly enough to be called hackmanite.Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Q3How can you tell if sodalite is real or dyed?

No synthetic sodalite is commercially available.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022CIBJO's Gemstone Book records dyeing of sodalite as rare.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022Where it is dyed, AGTA marks it as needing special care because the dye may fade.AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.What this page can answer

Q4Is sodalite durable enough for a ring?

Its hardness is recorded as Mohs 5.5–6.Handbook of MineralogyIt is brittle.Handbook of MineralogyCIBJO's care guidance for dyed sodalite notes that it can cleave or fracture easily and should be worn with care.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Q5How should sodalite be cleaned?

It should not go in an ultrasonic cleaner.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022Hydrochloric acid corrodes it.GB/T 16553—2017Dyed pieces should be kept away from all solvents, including dish-washing liquid, other chemicals and heat, because the dye is not permanent.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Q6Does sodalite fade in sunlight?

For dyed sodalite, CIBJO notes that strong light may fade it or return it to its original colour, so it should not be worn or left in strong light for long periods.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022Hackmanite, a variety of sodalite, changes colour with light exposure by nature.Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Q7How does sodalite form?

Sodalite forms in nepheline syenites, phonolites and other alkaline rocks, and also in altered limestone-type rocks and in cavities of blocks thrown out by volcanoes.Handbook of MineralogyIts formula is Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2.Handbook of Mineralogy

Q8Does sodalite have calming or healing powers?

There is no scientific evidence that sodalite has healing powers: the UK advertising regulators ASA and CAP state that they have not seen evidence that crystal therapy can treat medical conditions.ASA/CAP guidance (UK)

What this page can answer

This page covers

What we cannot conclude

  • Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
  • Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
  • Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.

Material research: formation, causes and history

What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.

How it forms

Sodalite is a chlorine-bearing sodium aluminium framework silicate, Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2, and a distinct species within the sodalite group. Its main settings are nepheline syenites, phonolites and allied alkaline rock types; it also appears in metasomatized calcareous rocks and in cavities inside ejected volcanic blocks, often intergrown with nepheline, cancrinite, titanian andradite, aegirine, calcite and fluorite. Typically blue, sodalite may also be colourless, white, yellowish, greenish or reddish; the sulfur-bearing, tenebrescent variety is hackmanite. Gem-quality sodalite and hackmanite have recently come onto the market from Myanmar’s Mogok region and from Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan.

Scope: Covers the origin, composition and occurrence of sodalite as a framework silicate mineral in alkaline and metasomatic rocks, and defines the colour-change variety hackmanite; does not address synthetic materials.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite) · G&G Fall 2022

Where it forms

Nepheline syenites, phonolites, and related alkaline rock types

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Metasomatized calcareous host rocks

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Cavities within ejected volcanic blocks

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Intergrown with nepheline, cancrinite, titanian andradite, aegirine, microcline, calcite and fluorite

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

How it forms, step by step

  1. Alkaline magmas (nepheline syenite, phonolite, etc.) crystallise, forming sodium- and aluminium-rich silicate melts or fluids.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

  2. Under chloride-rich alkaline conditions, sodalite crystallises from the melt or fluids, filling cavities or replacing calcareous rocks.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

  3. In ejected volcanic blocks, sodalite may fill cavities to form crystals or massive aggregates.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

  4. Some sodalite contains sulfur, forming the variety hackmanite, which shows tenebrescence under UV.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Link to appearance

Sodalite ranges from colorless, white, yellowish and greenish to light-to-dark blue and reddish, with a white streak and vitreous to greasy luster; being cubic it is isotropic. Some material shows bright red-orange fluorescence under LW and SW UV and may be photochromic, while the variety hackmanite exhibits tenebrescence.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite) · G&G Fall 2022

Timescale

These sources do not state an absolute geological timescale for sodalite formation.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite) · G&G Fall 2022

Supporting findings

Sodalite develops in nepheline syenites and phonolites together with other alkaline rock types; further settings include metasomatized calcareous rocks and cavities within ejected volcanic blocks.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Describes sodalite's host-rock settings, not a universal claim for all localities.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Sodalite occurs intergrown with nepheline, cancrinite, titanian andradite, aegirine, microcline, calcite and fluorite.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Describes sodalite's paragenesis, not a universal claim for all localities.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

In recent years, gem-quality sodalite/hackmanite has come onto the market from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province and from the Mogok region of Myanmar.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Describes recent gem-quality localities, not an exhaustive list.

Sources Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

Recorded localities

Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.

Locality sketch mapLand outlines only; the map does not depict any national or regional boundary. Dots mark approximate positions. Base map: Natural Earth (public domain).

Asia

Europe

  • Khibiny and Lovozero massifs, Kola Peninsula, RussiaMineral specimen locality (not a source of jewellery material)
    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

North America

  • Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, GreenlandMineral specimen locality (not a source of jewellery material)
    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
  • Bancroft, Ontario, CanadaMineral specimen locality (not a source of jewellery material)
    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

South America

These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.

Where the name comes from

Sodalite is named in allusion to its sodium content.

Evidence grade B

Scope: This states only the origin of the name and does not establish the material's composition, locality, natural origin, or whether it was treated.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

How it is identified

Laboratory separation of lapis lazuli's blue mineral, lazurite, from sodalite relies on properties such as fluorescence and streak: lazurite is inert to ultraviolet light, whereas sodalite may fluoresce an intense orange to orange-red under both short- and long-wave UV, and lazurite leaves a bright blue streak compared with sodalite's white or pale blue streak.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Describes identification features reported by a laboratory or educational source; it is not a test that a reader can rely on, and any single piece can only be identified by a gemmological laboratory.

Sources G&G Spring 2000

Other research findings

Sodalite has the formula Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2 and belongs to the sodalite group.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Gives sodalite's formula and mineral group, not specific solid-solution components.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

The name sodalite alludes to its sodium content, and it is a distinct mineral species.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Concerns naming and species identity, not origin or treatment.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Hackmanite is the tenebrescent variety of sodalite; the tenebrescence of many gem-quality stones from Myanmar and Afghanistan was strong enough for classification as hackmanite.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Concerns variety definition, not the origin of the main sodalite species.

Sources Gems & Gemology (Hackmanite)

The sodalite group also includes members such as haüyne and nosean, and lapis lazuli is a rock consisting of a variety of minerals including sodalite-group minerals.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Describes group membership and the rock nature of lapis lazuli, without quantitative origin data.

Sources G&G Fall 2022

Limits of this research

  • Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
  • The sources do not state an absolute geological timescale for sodalite formation.
  • The specific mechanisms of sodalite's color, fluorescence and tenebrescence (e.g. the role of sulfur and color centers) are not quantified in these sources, so no claim is made here about what causes the color.
  • The GIA report on hackmanite carries no publication year or volume, so no publication date is given for it.
  • The statement that sodalite is a distinct species rests on the Handbook of Mineralogy species entry and group assignment; inter-species boundaries within the group (e.g. haüyne, nosean) are not detailed.

Methodology

Evidence grades

A
Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
B
Institutional educational material
C
Specialist databases or cautious readings

A statement is never graded above its strongest source.

This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.

DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments

Suggested listing name
Sodalite

GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Sodalite”, 5.1.1 c), 5.1.2.2 a) · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.221 “Sodalite”

Construction or treatment status

Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Related:Disclosure and cautions

This page cannot answer

Natural? · Origin · Price

A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.

Related:What this page can answer

Answer at a glance

Sodalite is also known by several other names, some of which can refer to different materials in other contexts; use "Sodalite" to avoid ambiguity.

Evidence

  • GB/T · Table A.2, row 方钠石 (Sodalite)

What this means for you

Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Sodalite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.

Known uncertainty

Last reviewed
2026-09-01

Care and wear

Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:

  • Handle it gently.
  • Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
  • Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
  • Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.

The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.

Care

Sodalite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Sodalite — care (light): may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code f

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Sodalite — care (chemicals): Treatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent; keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code k

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Sodalite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Sodalite — care (special care): dyed: special care (SC); the dye may fade.

AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

Common care questions and matching entries

CleaningCare of Sodalite: the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) states that Sodalite must not be cleaned ultrasonically. TreatedFor dyed Sodalite, specifically dyed stones, the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) also states that it may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light, so do not wear or leave it in strong light for long periods; that treatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent, so keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat; and that it fractures easily, so wear it with care. AGTAThe AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition, states that dyed Sodalite needs special care (marked SC), as the dye may fade.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

QuestionMatching entries
Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner?care (cleaning)
Light and displaymay fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods
Contact with acids, alkalis and household chemicalsTreatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent; keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat
Wearing limits (knocks, settings)cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care

Care entries by treatment state

The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.

any treatment state

treated (Only after these treatments: dyeing)

Durability and wearing

Toughness

Brittle

Fracture

Uneven to conchoidal

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Treatments and identification leads

Registered treatmentsThe registered treatment for Sodalite is dyeing: the treatment state is treated, its stability is unstable, and it is rare on the market. Values not givenThe identification leads and source for dyeing are both shown as a dash, meaning the cited source gives no value, not none. Registered treatmentsAt identification level, what can be given for Sodalite is the registered treatments, their stability and market frequency, and the identification leads for each treatment, for use when submitting stones for testing and discussing which tests to request; there is no synthetic Sodalite on the market.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

TreatmentMarket frequency (CIBJO)Stability (CIBJO)GB/T 16552 categoryJJA/AGL listingIdentification leads
dyeingStatus: treatedrarelyunstable———

Where each treatment acts (schematics): Dyed

“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):

  • GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
  • CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15

What this table covers

What this page can give

  • Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
  • Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing

How lab reports word it

A general LMHC wording rule also covers Sodalite (Information Sheet #16): see the LMHC rule “Colour stability testing”.

VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources

Names

Besides Sodalite, the name register records "Blue-vein Stone" and "Blue-veined Stone", for which no restriction on use as a name is recorded; 3 further names in non-Latin scripts are listed in the name register below (1 with no restriction recorded on use as a name, 2 that may appear only as an annotation, never as the product name).

Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name of Sodalite comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2, and the suggested listing name is Sodalite. Trade and mineralogical namesA Chinese jewellery-market trade name meaning blue-vein stone exists in Simplified and Traditional forms; under GB/T 16552—2017, trade names should not be used on their own and may only be added as a note in quality documents, not as the main product name. Sub-names and unacceptable namesA Chinese name meaning soda stone is not recommended, as it also refers to the sodium bicarbonate mineral Nahcolite, and the two must not be used for each other. The English Blue-vein Stone and Blue-veined Stone are not matched to Sodalite, are not established gem material names and must not be used as the main English name. Names in four languagesThe four-language names are the Simplified and Traditional Chinese names, English Sodalite and the Japanese names; the GSJ (Japan) formal name is the Japanese kanji-kana form, and the mineralogical name is Sodalite. Institution usageFor authority wording, the CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 records the wording Sodalite, the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked), and GIA and Gem-A are unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position.

Name register

Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

NameTypeMatchingUse as a nameBasis
no restriction recorded (3)
Blue-vein StoneEnglishmarket namenever matched to this entryno restriction recordededitorial ruling (no clause cited); Note: In English usage Blue-vein Stone is only an occasional description of appearance, not an established bead-material name. This material's English name is Sodalite, so the name is not matched to this entry.
Blue-veined StoneEnglishmarket namenever matched to this entryno restriction recordededitorial ruling (no clause cited); Note: In English usage Blue-veined Stone is only an occasional description of appearance, not an established bead-material name. This material's English name is Sodalite, so the name is not matched to this entry.
苏打石Simplified Chinesemarket namenever matched to this entryno restriction recordedGB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Sodalite”; GB/T 16552 revision draft for comment (2023, not in force) Table A.2; Note: In Chinese mineral naming this name is the standard name of nahcolite, a sodium bicarbonate mineral, so it clashes with this entry. The standard name of this material is sodalite, so the name is not matched here.
annotation only, never as the product name (2)
蓝纹石Simplified Chinesemarket namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameGB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Sodalite”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.2 a); CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.221 “Sodalite”; Note: The former lanwenshi entry merged into this one on 2026-08-21; this row is now the entry’s only Chinese trade name.
藍紋石Traditional Chinesemarket namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameGB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Sodalite”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.2 a); CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.221 “Sodalite”; Note: The same trade name in Traditional Chinese; same ruling as the Simplified Chinese row.

How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.

Authority wording

GIA, FTC, CIBJO, Gem-A
Sodalite (on record for CIBJO (CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8); no wording for this name in the FTC text on file; GIA, Gem-A unchecked — bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name)
GSJ (Japan) formal name
方ソーダ石
Chinese formal name
方钠石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2)
Mineralogical name
Sodalite
Trade names and synonyms
Blue-vein Stone (market name; not a recommended name) · Blue-veined Stone (market name; not a recommended name)

Four-language names

简体中文
方钠石
繁體中文
方鈉石
English
Sodalite
日本語
ソーダライト／方ソーダ石

See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index

Classification

Origin
Natural materials
Material domain
Natural inorganic gem materials
Browsing family
Other silicate minerals
Identity tier
Mineral species
Mineral chemical class
Silicates
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown

What it is and how it's identified

The composition of Sodalite is Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2; structure crystalline or crystalline aggregate, cubic, with a rhombic dodecahedral habit, commonly in granular or massive aggregates; Mohs hardness 5–6, cleavage usually not visible in aggregates; density 2.15–2.4 g/cm³ (clause value 2.25, permitted tolerance +0.15/−0.10, range derived from the clause value and tolerance); refractive index 1.479–1.487 (clause value 1.483, permitted tolerance ±0.004, range derived from the clause value and tolerance); birefringence none; optical character isotropic, commonly an aggregate; transparency translucent to opaque; untreated, pleochroism none, body colour usually dark blue to violetish blue, often with white veins, rarely grey, yellow, green or pink, and lustre vitreous to greasy; untreated Sodalite is corroded by hydrochloric acid; the stability of dyeing is not stable.

Registered material facts

Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.

Definition

Sodalite — nomenclature status: IMA status G: grandfathered (described before the IMA existed, and generally regarded as a valid species).

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Sodalite — composition (chemistry): Sodalite;Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — composition (phase): sodalite

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Structure

Sodalite — structure (overall): crystalline, or else a crystalline aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — structure (crystal system): cubic system

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — structure (crystal habit): rhombic dodecahedra; mostly granular or massive aggregates.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Durability

Sodalite — Mohs hardness: 5–6

GB/T 16553—2017

123456789105–6References (diamond = value, bar = range; below)

Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))

Mohs hardnessSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — cleavage: generally not seen on an aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — stability: is corroded by hydrochloric acid

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

For Sodalite, the stability of dyeing is “unstable”.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Treatment state
treated
Treatment
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Physical properties

Sodalite — density: 2.15–2.4 g/cm³

GB/T 16553—2017

0.51.52.53.54.55.56.57.52.15–2.4
Specific gravitySource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Qualification

The clause we cite gives 2.25, with a stated tolerance of +0.15 / -0.10. The range shown here is worked out from that.

Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Optical

Optical effects on record: colour change

Sodalite — optic character: isotropic; usually found as an aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — refractive index: 1.479–1.487

GB/T 16553—2017

1.31.72.12.52.93.31.479–1.487
Refractive indexSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Qualification

The clause we cite gives 1.483, with a stated tolerance of ±0.004. The range shown here is worked out from that.

Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — birefringence: none

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — transparency: translucent to opaque.

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Sodalite — pleochroism: none

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — fluorescence (overall): long wave none to weak, patchy orange-red.

GB/T 16553—2017

UV fluorescencepatchy orange-rednone–weakDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — spectrum (infrared): diagnostic bands of sodalite in the mid-IR

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — optical effect (colour change): seen

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — magnification: granular structure, mineral inclusions, commonly seen white veins.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

body colour2 sources compared

Sodalite — body colour: Usually dark blue to violetish blue, often with white veining, rarely grey, yellow, green or pink.

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Treatment state
untreated
Qualification

In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Pectolite, Aragonite, Sillimanite and other entries also name blue or a bluish colour.

General note
colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Sodalite — body colour: dark blue to purple-blue, commonly veined with white (or yellow or red); grey, green, yellow, white or pink are rare.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Qualification

In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Pectolite, Pyroxene, Alexandrite and other variety clauses also name blue or a bluish colour.

General note
colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

How the sources relate

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 and GB/T 16553—2017

complementary, no conflict

Both list dark blue to violetish blue, often with white veining, and rarely grey, green, yellow or pink. GB/T 16553—2017 adds that the veins may also be yellow or red, and that white is rare.

CIBJO definitions
colour change

Quality factors

Sodalite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous to greasy

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

1.461.481.51.522.12.22.32.42.5Refractive indexSpecific gravity12345Sodalite

This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.483 / 2.27; Closest values: 1Tektite / Moldavite 1.495 / 2.36, 2Obsidian 1.495 / 2.4, 3Chrysocolla 1.516 / 2.2, 4Haüyne 1.5 / 2.46, 5Synthetic Opal 1.45 / 2.08

Show the full chart (330 registered materials)1.41.51.61.71.81.922.12.22.32.41234567Refractive indexSpecific gravity12345Sodalite

Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22

Refractive index × specific gravity (all registered materials)Each dot is one material's registered refractive index and specific gravity (range midpoints, not measurements); gold = this material, dark = the nearest few (picked on this site by distance in RI ÷ 0.02 and SG ÷ 0.1, leaving out near-identical varieties of the same species)Source: each material's registered refractive index and specific gravity facts (GB/T 16553 and others; sources on each entry)

Testing and market

Under GB/T 16553—2017, untreated Sodalite appears brownish red through the Chelsea colour filter. CIBJO's laboratory rules call for particular checks on sodalite for dyeing. Among sodalite in circulation, dyeing is rare. There is no synthetic sodalite on the market. The tests CIBJO's laboratory rules require for sodalite, and what each method means, are shown in the rules table on the laboratory testing page.

The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.76.

How far testing can go

Sodalite — how far testing can go (instrumental testing): appears reddish brown under the Chelsea colour filter

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.27 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Sodalite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

For Sodalite in trade, the reported frequency of dyeing is “rarely”.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Treatment state
treated
Treatment
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Sodalite — what the CIBJO laboratory protocol says to watch for: dye

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

Clause-level definitions

Sodalite is defined directly in CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024, with the registered term Sodalite; the definition states that sodalite is a mineral species, IMA status G, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page. The cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

TermClauseDefinitionCross-check
Sodalite7.2.1.221Usually dark blue to violetish blue, often with white veining, rarely grey, yellow, green or pink; translucent to opaqueDefined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex.

Evidence and sources

Authority basis and clause sources

GB/T 16552—2017
Listed Table A.2 “Sodalite” · Source
GB/T 16552—2017
Not listed the name does not occur anywhere in the text; scope: Chapter 1 “Scope” · Source
GB/T 16552—2017
Naming rule 5.1.1 c) · Source
GB/T 16552—2017
Naming rule 5.1.2.2 a) · Source
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Listed §7.2.1.221 “Sodalite” · Source
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Listed Annex 8 · Source

Sources

Further reading

Related entries and topic cluster

Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.

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PageContentStatus
Browsing familyOther silicate mineralsLive
Related articlesTo be added (placeholder)Planned

Who maintains this page

The material facts in the Sodalite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.

Facts editor
June
Reviewer
Ralph
How facts are checked
Each fact is matched to the clause it cites; facts checked between 2026-09-21 and 2026-09-26
Last revised
2026-10-13
Purpose
Lets buyers and sellers check naming, disclosure and material facts clause by clause.

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