Identification of sodalite
Sodalite can be identified by its bright blue color and orange night vision
Sometimes it has a purple tint, and in its matte type, it shows white colors that consist of calcite
Sodalite is rare with clear crystals and can be gray, yellow, orange, blue, purple or colorless
:Sodalite origin and sources of gemstones
Sodalite is found in Brazil, Greenland, India, Canada, Namibia, Russia and America
Sodalite color
Sodalite can be gray, yellow, orange or pink
However, in terms of gemstones, sodalite is mostly light blue and similar to lapis lazuli, and usually has a white undertone
Radiance and transparency of sodalite
Sodalite has a glass transparency and an oily transparency is visible on its cracks
It varies from transparent to opaque and can be seen with white calcite impurities
Sodalite cut and shape
Sodalite is cut matte. It can be seen in oval, baguette or different shapes
Transparent material is shaved and is very rare
Preparation of sodalite
Composite sodalite became available in 1975 and is known as elementary sodalite
Natural sodalite is also available and all reputable dealers will explain whether it is synthetic or original
:Gemological characteristics of sodalite
Chemical formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 basic copper carbonate
Crystal shape: cruciform, short, columnar, stacked
Color, blue, white, gray, yellow, orange, pink
Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale
Refractive index: 1.48
Density: 2.14 to 2.40
Breakability: Unknown
Transparency: transparent to opaque
Bilateral refraction or double refraction: no
Luster: vitreous to oily
Fluorescence: strong, orange
Sudolite: similar or related gemstones
The pink-purple sample of sodalite is known as hackmanite
Sodalite can also be seen in colorless and transparent form
Clear sodalite is very rare because sodalite gemstones are blue-purple and opaque
Lapis lazuli is similar in appearance to sodalite and may even contain sodalite
Due to the similarities, sodalite can be mistaken for lapis lazuli
However, lapis lazuli has a very high gravity of 2.5 to 3
In addition, lapis lazuli is technically defined as a stone, while sodalite is a pure and complete mineral
Sodalite is also mistaken for blue azurite because their color is similar
However, azurite has a lower hardness on the Mohs scale and is only between 3.5 and 4, and azurite is composed of copper carbonate
Dumortirite is also similar in color to sodalite, but has a higher hardness of 7
Lazolite is similar to sodalite in terms of color and hardness, but it does not have its night vision
:Sodalite Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas
Sodalite is a versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of jewelry designs
Sodalite beads are used in necklaces, earrings, bracelets
Nuts can be spherical, square, tubular or convoluted
Sodalite is used to make attractive necklaces, rings and earrings
It can be combined with silver, gold or copper. Sodalite is used in combination with white gemstones such as pearl, quartz or topaz
Since sodalite is almost soft, you have to be very careful when working with it
Sodalite jewelry maintenance and cleaning
Sodalite is relatively hard, but its hardness is 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale
This stone is softer than most gemstones, but with care and care, it can be used for a long time
Sodalite is very resistant to pressure, high temperature and strong household chemicals and detergents
Avoid exposing sodalite to sulfuric acid
Most sodalites can be cleaned with warm soapy water, but some dry materials are not suitable
For dry stones, it is better to test a part of them first to check its strength
Dry the stones with a soft cloth to remove any soap residue
Remove jewelry before exercising or doing heavy sports activities
It is better to store sodalite separately from other gemstones so that it does not get scratched or broken
Put it in a soft cloth and store it in a jewelry box
