Sodalite Beads

Sodalite beads are made from a dark blue mineral with white streaks, but can also be pink, gray, green, or yellow. Sodalite can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The name sodalite refers to its high sodium content. It contains chlorine and will test positive for chlorine with a common swimming pool test kit. It will fluoresce a bright orange under black light.

Significant sources of sodalite include Canada, Brazil, Greenland, India, Italy, Africa, and the United States.

While it is sometimes used for carving, it is most commonly used in jewelry making as a gemstone bead or cabochon, as it cuts easily and takes a fine polish. Although beautiful in its own right, it is sometimes used as a substitute for the more expensive lapis lazuli. In fact, it is a minor component of lapis lazuli.

Sodalite gemstone beads pair particularly well with howlite, iolite, dumortierite, blue chalcedony, azurite malachite, angelite, sky quartz, moonstone, and river stone.

The astrological sign of sodalite is Sagittarius. New age thinkers attribute this gemstone with abilities to aid in directing ones purpose and to calm the emotions and the mind .

common treatments: rarely dyed

special care: avoid impact, abrasion, harsh chemicals

hardness: 5.5 - 6.0