Natural Sodalite — Rough

Sodalite is a mineral from the feldspathoid group with the chemical formula Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄Cl₂, composed of sodium and aluminum silicate with the presence of chlorine in its structure. It forms in silica-undersaturated alkaline igneous rocks, such as nepheline syenites and phonolites, as well as metasomatic contacts between alkaline igneous rocks and carbonates. Its characteristic blue to blue-violet color results from the presence of color centers generated by electrons trapped in structural defects of the crystal lattice, associated with chlorine and sodium ions. The intensity of the blue varies depending on the concentration of these defects, and may present white veins of calcite or nephrite distributed in the blue matrix, characteristic of the species. Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Density: 2.14 to 2.40 g/cm³. Crystalline system: cubic. Available variations, approximate data: 1 to 3 cm — Approx. 0.010 kg — 250 pcs per kg 3 to 6 cm — 0.030 to 0.150 kg — 30 pieces per kg 6 to 15 cm — 0.150 to 0.800 kg — 2 to 3 pieces per kg