Sodalite is a semi-precious mineral of the feldspathoid class, rarely found in nature. The history of its origin today has not been fully studied and is fraught with many mysteries. The gem cannot leave anyone indifferent. Its glassy shine and magical blue tints attract not only mineralogists and collectors, but also magicians, because, according to the latter, the stone has rare supernatural abilities.
Description
The name of the mineral sodalite translates as “sodium stone.”
These are translucent or translucent fine-grained agglomerates with a glassy or greasy sheen.
“Canonical” sodalites are blue or light blue. Yellow, red, pink specimens are not uncommon. Finding burgundy ones is considered lucky.
The surface of the mineral is almost always patterned.
Physico-chemical characteristics
From a chemist’s point of view, the mineral sodalite is an aluminosilicate with a high content of chlorine in its composition. Its complex formula includes components that determine the color and type of stone.
| Formula | 3Na2O•3Al2O3•6SiO2•2NaCl |
| Color | Blue, white, pink, gray, green |
| Stroke color | White |
| Shine | Glass, bold |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
| Hardness | 5,5-6 |
| Cleavage | Implicit |
| Density | 2.29 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Cubic |
The mineral absorbs volatile substances from the environment, is involved in ion exchange reactions, and changes color when heated.
Price
Russian online stores offer sodalite and products made from it at the following prices:
- tumbling (2.5–3 cm) — 90 rub. for 1 piece ;
- cabochon (18 x 13 mm) - 127 rub. ;
- talisman with cord - 158 rub. ;
- stone prism (12 x 33 mm) - 167 rub. ;
- amulet-pendant - 212 rub. ;
- rosary (bead diameter 7–8 mm, length 24 cm) — 466 rub. ;
- beads (beads diameter 10 mm, length - 48 cm) - RUB 2,490. ;
- ball (diameter 65 mm) - 4,217 rub.
Varieties
Mineralogists distinguish two types of sodalite:
- Alomite . Deep blue agglomerates with a textured patterned surface. So it is streaked with white threads of calcite. This is also the name of a trade brand.
- Hakmanite. Specimens with a high sulfur content, due to which they easily change color. Pale ones in daylight become deep purple, and in the dark they turn pale again. A cream-colored stone looks purple or red-pink in the sun.
Hackmanites, which do not change color in the light, are mined only in Russia.
The second variety is named after the scientist Viktor Gakman. He discovered it in 1903, finding out that the mineral is endowed with the property of photochromism (that is, changing color in the sun). This process is reversible if the sample is simultaneously exposed to hot sodium vapor and X-ray radiation. Pale specimens turn a beautiful blue. The method is in demand by jewelers and decorators.
Place of Birth
Stone deposits are concentrated near mountain systems or extinct volcanoes:
- In Russia these are the Urals, Kamchatka, Kola Peninsula;
- Europe – Alps, Carpathians; Greenland, Iceland, Italy, Romania;
- Asia - Himalayas; Myanmar;
- America - Andes, Bolivia, Brazil (South); Appalachia, Canada, USA (Northern).
The volcanic origin of the mineral “suggests” its location on the planet.
Sodalite is also found in pegmatites. But there are no large deposits.
Where is the mineral used?
Depending on the aesthetic conditions, sodalite has found application in the beauty and practical industries.
Jewelry
Jewelers value deep blue translucent stones. More often they are polished cabochon, sometimes lightly faceted.
Pendant with sodalite
All types of products are manufactured, but there is no mass production.
Thanks to the discreet range of gems, even large jewelry with sodalite does not look provocative:
- They can be worn to the office, to business events, or for a walk.
- Thick blue sodalite will make a lady of mature years look regal.
- Blue sodalite is suitable for a girl or girl.
In jewelry, the stone is combined with lapis lazuli, coral, malachite, and rock crystal. Rhodochrosite, amethyst, and rose quartz are organic next to it.
Decor
Specimens of other colors are used for religious objects and interior decor:
- Particularly popular are balls, figurines or figurines of the Buddhist assortment.
- The secular trend is represented by writing utensils, stands for sculptures, inlaid photo frames, caskets, and more.
- Large polished plates in the interior give an idea of the beauty of Canadian alomite.
Blue or dark blue sodalite, ground to powder, is analyzed by painters.
Other industries
The mineral’s ability for adsorption and ion exchange reactions has made it a useful raw material in advanced industries:
- nanotechnology;
- radio-electronic engineering;
- TV.
Natural and artificial materials have been used.
Sodalite jewelry
The mineral is quite often found in jewelry. Blue sodalite is especially in demand. It looks very beautiful on rings, pendants, bracelets, rosaries, beads and hairpins.
Stones of different colors are used in the manufacture of various kinds of crafts, for example, stands for small figurines, bronze sculptures. They are also used in making stone balls or stone mosaics.
Sodalite is popular in making religious objects. Elephant figurines and Buddhist figurines are made from it.
How to wear and care
Sodalite is fragile, easily dissolved by acids, and has low hardness. Therefore, you need to take care of it carefully:
- Protect from falls and impacts. In case of mechanical damage, a white mark will remain on the colored mineral.
- Wash off dirt with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Do not expose it to the scorching sun for a long time, do not wear it on the beach or in the pool.
- Only rock crystal can be a neighbor in the box.
If the sodalite becomes cloudy, place it in water for several hours or overnight along with the rock crystal.
Energy cleaning of the mineral is carried out weekly if it has become dull or changed color. Or immediately after a magical attack (when such suspicion arose). To do this, rinse it with running water. If it doesn’t help, it means the stone is “overloaded”. It needs to be buried: the accumulated negativity will go into the ground.
Compatibility with other stones
Sodalite is an energy stone that does not tolerate proximity to other magical auras. Able to maintain a positive balance only:
- with quartz stones (rock crystal, light amethyst, pink quartz);
- corals (white, pink, red);
- malachite.
Malachite box, which is ideal for storing sodalite jewelry.
Compatibility with other stones is negative, capable of harming a person’s health and energy.
How to identify a fake
Sodalite is rarely counterfeited. Almost always they offer plastic or glass instead.
The origin can be identified by several signs:
- The plastic fake is lightweight and melts over the flame of a candle or match, emitting a “chemical” smell.
- Glass is easily distinguished from stone by its strong transparency and shine.
- Sodalite leaves a white streak on the glass.
More often the stone is offered under the guise of more expensive lapis lazuli: they look almost the same. But it is possible to distinguish sodalite from lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli is not grayish, does not shine (matte), and is opaque. Its texture is dense, other impurities are almost invisible.
Origin story
It is a semi-precious gem extracted from alkaline volcanic rocks. According to experts, it is also part of meteorites. Rarely found in nature, it is considered a valuable, unique material with magical powers.
The true origin story is shrouded in mysticism and mystery. There are no mentions of the gem either in ancient or more modern literature. His unusual abilities began to be mentioned only recently.
Rough Gem
The name comes from the English Soda and the Greek Sodium, literally translated as “sodium lotus”.
Therapeutic effect
Official medicine uses the sorption properties of sodalite. The drugs are prescribed to alleviate the condition of people who have been exposed to radiation. This property acquired invaluable importance for humans after the Chernobyl accident.
Bracelet with sodalite
Lithotherapists have also identified other healing properties of the mineral:
- normalization of pressure;
- healing of the liver, kidneys;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular, endocrine (thyroid) and lymphatic systems;
- strengthening skeletal tissue;
- decreased appetite.
Sodalite suppresses appetite, so it is useful for those on a diet or those who are overweight.
Beads or a bracelet made of gems neutralize insomnia, nightmares, and nervous tension.
Contemplation of the stone heals the eyes.
Applying a plate to the problem area relieves pain.
Magic properties
The vibrations created by it can make a person psychic. Meditations take you to new levels of consciousness. This is the main meaning of the stone for adherents of magical practices.
Ring with sodalite
Overall Impact
The magical properties of sodalite are useful in everyday life:
- By sorting through the beads of the rosary, you can analyze a difficult situation, make the optimal decision, and get out of the deadlock without loss.
- A ring with sodalite attracts success, mutual love, and respect from others.
- Decorating with a stone will teach you to see the beauty of the world and feel like a part of it.
The mineral, constantly carried with you, warns of approaching trouble or problems by changing color.
Who is the stone suitable for?
The magic of sodalite is especially beneficial for certain groups of people:
- Blue sodalite is suitable for doctors, teachers, managers, realtors, businessmen, and lawyers. Its energy eliminates unnecessary emotions.
- A raw nugget is needed for those who are determined to interact with a higher power.
- Stone likes calm phlegmatic people, not fussy “multi-station operators”.
A pebble near a microwave, cell phone, or computer monitor will absorb radiation, clearing the space.
Talismans
To solve various problems, you need to wear your product with a stone of a certain color:
- A necklace or earrings with darkish beads is a universal women's amulet.
- A red pendant will help a lady find her soul mate, a ring with a dark stone will help a shy man.
- A bracelet made of light stones, a ring, a yellow figurine on the table are the attributes of a businessman or leader.
The magical and healing properties of sodalite are enhanced by transparent quartz or lapis lazuli.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Sodalite, according to astrologers, has a positive effect on all signs of the zodiac. Ideal for signs of the elements of Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and Virgo .
Taurus, Sagittarius and Aquarius also have good compatibility with this stone.
The influence of sodalite on people born under different constellations:
- Cancer and Aries will find in him an assistant in business and work activities, which will lead to success and financial well-being.
- Scorpio, Taurus, Sagittarius will experience improved health.
- Pisces and Leo will learn to communicate correctly with people. This will lead to success in both personal and business life.
- Virgo, Gemini will learn to love life and find inner harmony.
- Aquarius will become more responsible.
- Libra will develop their intelligence and mental abilities.
- For Capricorn, this pebble will become an assistant in everyday life; a person under its influence will show his best qualities.
Venus and Jupiter are the patrons of this mineral, so it is better to wear sodalite jewelry or perform rituals with the gem on Friday or Thursday.
