The facts
What sodalite actually is
The species behind sodalite is sodalite, Na₈(AlSiO₄)₆Cl₂; it forms in the cubic system.
Colour centres involving chloride is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.483–1.487 and a specific gravity of about 2.14–2.40, with poor, six directions cleavage.
Where sodalite comes from
Commercial material comes from Bahia, Brazil, Ontario, Canada, Namibia and Russia.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
Is sodalite treated?
None normally.
That makes disclosure simple: there is nothing to declare. It also means a seller offering a "treated" version of this material is offering something else.
What sodalite is confused with
Watch for Lapis lazuli, Dumortierite and Azurite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.483–1.487 and specific gravity 2.14–2.40 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What sodalite is used for
The trades that buy sodalite are architecture and interiors, decorative objects and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the square metre, by the piece or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 5.5–6; cleavage poor, six directions. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What sodalite costs
Expect roughly $0.20–5/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is sodalite treated?
None normally.
Where does sodalite come from?
Bahia, Brazil, Ontario, Canada, Namibia and Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is sodalite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does sodalite cost?
Indicatively $0.20–5/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is sodalite confused with?
Most often Lapis lazuli, Dumortierite and Azurite. A refractive index of 1.483–1.487 and a specific gravity near 2.14–2.40 separate it quickly.
What is sodalite used for besides jewellery?
architecture and interiors and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for sodalite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about sodalite