Sodalite

Sodalite is a rich royal blue mineral widely enjoyed as an ornamental stone. Although massive Sodalite samples are opaque, crystals are usually transparent to translucent. Sodalite is a member of the Sodalite group and together with hauyne, nosean and lazurite is a common constituent of lapis lazuli.

Discovered in 1806 in Greenland, Sodalite did not become important as an ornamental stone until 1891 when vast deposits of fine material were discovered in Ontario, Canada. It has since been named Princess Blue after Princess Patricia who, upon visiting Ontario some time after its discovery, chose Sodalite as interior decoration for Marlborough House in England.

Most Sodalite rocks used as a gem rock are mottled light, medium and/or dark blue, rarely with purple or magenta spots; white veinlets -- typically calcite or nepheline that appear as streaks on some surfaces are common. It occurs as masses that appear to be segregations and also as vein like masses in alkalic (commonly nepheline-bearing) igneous rocks.

The best Sodalite comes from Brazil. Sodalite from Brazil often displays what is known as The Schiller Effect. This effect is what causes the flash in Labradorite. In the best Sodalite, even though the effect is not as pronounced as in Labradorite, it creates the appearance of a silvery shimmer in the stone. It is very attractive and highly desirable. If you are buying Sodalite, it is worth searching for a piece from Brazil, even if you have to pay a little bit more for it.