Sodalite:
Sodalite is routinely found in
Namibia,
Brazil,
Canada,
Italy,
India,
Russia, and the
USA.
Sodalite is a light, relatively hard yet fragile mineral. It is named after its sodium content. Well known for its blue color, Sodalite may also be gray, yellow, green, or pink and is often mottled with white veins or patches. The more uniformly blue material is commonly used in jewelry. Although very similar in appearance and composition to Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite is never quite comparable. The two stones are identical in chemical structure with the only difference being that Lapis contains sulphur instead of chlorine which Sodalite contains. The Sodalite also rarely contains pyrite, a common inclusion in Lapis. Sodalite is further distinguished from similar minerals by its white (rather than blue) streak. It has also been referred to as Canadian Blue Stone and Canadian Lapis.
Sodalite has a moh’s rating of 5.5 to 6.
- Birth gemstone for Virgo and Sagittarius
Myths and Therapeutic Properties:
Sodalite was discovered in 1806 in
Greenland, but did not become important as an ornamental stone until 1891 when vast deposits of fine material were discovered in
Ontario,
Canada. It has since been nick-named Princess Blue after Princess Patricia who, upon visiting
Ontario some time after its discovery, chose sodalite as interior decoration for her home in
England. Sodalite is believed to boost one's confidence and to enhance creativity. It is also known to calm chaotic emotions and maintain mental well being. Therapeutically Sodalite is reputed to strengthen the metabolism and lymphatic system, as well as prevent diabetes and aid in digestive disorders.
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