{"title":"Sodalite","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSodalite\u003c\/strong\u003e is a deep-blue feldspathoid tectosilicate with the formula Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2, prized since the 19th century as an ornamental stone and coveted by mineral collectors for its rich royal-blue to violet-blue color, occasionally streaked with white calcite veining. It belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003esodalite group\u003c\/strong\u003e, alongside \u003cstrong\u003ehauyne\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003enosean\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003elazurite\u003c\/strong\u003e and the rare tenebrescent species \u003cstrong\u003etugtupite\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sodalite typically forms in silica-poor alkaline igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and their pegmatites, in carbonatites, and occasionally in metasomatized limestones or ejected volcanic blocks, commonly associated with \u003cstrong\u003enepheline\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecancrinite\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003emicrocline\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eaegirine\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003enatrolite\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ecalcite\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMassive ornamental-grade sodalite comes mainly from \u003cstrong\u003eCerro Sapo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cochabamba, Bolivia, prized for its intense, uniform blue used for carvings and cabochons, and from large deposits in Brazil, Namibia and Canada. Fine crystallized specimens, far scarcer than massive material, are the true collector's prize: \u003cstrong\u003eMont Saint-Hilaire\u003c\/strong\u003e in Quebec produces transparent, facetable sodalite crystals within its famous agpaitic pegmatite alongside serandite, eudialyte and villiaumite, while the \u003cstrong\u003ePoudrette quarry\u003c\/strong\u003e at the same locality remains a benchmark source for well-formed dodecahedral crystals. Other classic North American occurrences include the \u003cstrong\u003ePrincess Mine\u003c\/strong\u003e and Bancroft area of Ontario, the \u003cstrong\u003eIce River\u003c\/strong\u003e alkaline complex near Kicking Horse Pass in British Columbia, and \u003cstrong\u003eMagnet Cove\u003c\/strong\u003e, Arkansas, along with Litchfield, Maine. Rare euhedral crystals also occur on \u003cstrong\u003eMount Vesuvius\u003c\/strong\u003e in Italy, ejected in volcanic blocks, and in the marble skarns of \u003cstrong\u003eLadjuar Medam\u003c\/strong\u003e at Sar-e-Sang, Afghanistan, a source long associated with lapis-related feldspathoid mineralization.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA particularly sought-after variety is \u003cstrong\u003ehackmanite\u003c\/strong\u003e, the tenebrescent form of sodalite that shifts from pale gray or white to vivid purple-pink on exposure to UV light or sunlight and fades back over time, historically associated with Mont Saint-Hilaire and Greenland and later with notable finds in Afghanistan and Myanmar. Many sodalite specimens also fluoresce bright orange under ultraviolet light, adding a further layer of appeal for fluorescent-mineral collectors. Because well-formed, gemmy crystals are considerably rarer than the massive ornamental material flooding the lapidary trade, crystallized sodalite from type localities like Mont Saint-Hilaire, Ice River and Bancroft commands strong interest among systematic collectors seeking rare crystal habits, fluorescence, and tenebrescent color-change varieties within the broader feldspathoid family.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vog-sodalite-namibia-0","title":"SODALITE – Deep Blue Specimen with Calcite Veins, Kunene, Namibia","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis attractive sodalite specimen displays an intensely saturated, deep blue body color crossed by fine white calcite veining that creates a striking chromatic contrast across its polished surface. Sourced from the well-known open-pit sodalite deposit near Orotumba, within the Swartbooisdrif Dikes complex, this piece is completely natural and untreated, ideal for display or for collectors who appreciate richly colored feldspathoid minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Data:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 105 x 50 x 47 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 205 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orotumba, Swartbooisdrif Dikes, Epupa, Kunene Region, Namibia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ITALMINERAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45609665986669,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/8027\/6333\/files\/IMG20260722211316.jpg?v=1786526580"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.italmineral.com\/collections\/sodalite.oembed","provider":"ITALMINERAL","version":"1.0","type":"link"}