Is Sodalite A Crystal? - Sodalite Stone vs Mineral
It's easy to think that Sodalite is a crystal because of it's beautiful blue color. But is it a crystal? Nope! Sodalite is not a crystal because it is a kind of Tectosilicate mineral.
Is Sodalite a crystal or stone?
Although we gave the answer away in the intro above, we'd like to explain a little bit more clearly WHY Sodalite is a mineral and not a crystal.
It helps to understand that a crystal isn't actually one thing.
It's a bunch of things combined together.
And that's really the only big difference between a mineral and crystal...
A mineral is only made up of one single substance. In the case of Sodalite that substance is Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2
But crystals are a combination of multiple minerals. Anywhere from one to a dozen!
So although Sodalite looks like a crystal, feels like a crystal, and everyone calls is a crystal -- it's not.
But hey, crystal sure does sound a lot better than mineral doesn't it?
What does blue sodalite do spiritually?
This is something we break down more in our in-depth Sodalite guide, but we'll give a quick rundown here too!
Sodalite brings together logic with intuition and opens our spiritual awareness, bringing information from the higher mind down to the physical level.
This mineral activates the pineal gland and our third eye to help deepen meditation.
When in Sodalite-enhanced meditation, the mind can more readily understand the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
This gemstone instills a drive for truth and an guidance toward idealism - making it possible to remain true to ourselves and stand up for our beliefs.
What crystal family is sodalite in?
Sodalite is in the Silicate family of minerals. More specifically, it is a Tectosilicate mineral.
Silicate minerals are the rock-forming member of the mineral family.
Since they make up over 90% of the Earth's crust, they are also the largest and most essential member of the family.
As far as the crystalline stucture of Sodalite goes, it has a cubic crystal structure.
What is crystal sodalite used for?
Mentally
This rock helps balance emotions and calm panic attacks.
It can transform a defensive or oversensitive personality, releasing the core fears, phobias, guilt, and control mechanisms that hold us back.
This is accomplished by enhancing self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-trust.
Sodalite is one of few minerals that brings shadow qualities to the surface to be accepted without judgement.
Physically
People claim that Sodalite balances the metabolism, overcomes calcium deficiencies, and cleanses the lymphatic system - boosting the immune system.
Due to it's connection with the Throat Chakes, tt treats the throat, vocal cords,larynx and is helpful for hoarseness.
It cools fevers, lowers blood pressure, and stimulates absorption of fluid in the body.
How To Wear Sodalite?
Figuring how the best way to wear Sodalite couldn't be easier!
For all crystals, it just depends on which Chakra this particular stone resonates with the most.
The quick answer is that this mineral pairs best with your Throat Chakra.
It's no coincidence that the Thoat Chakra is blue!
Seeing as how Sodalite is a beautiful stone, and it helps balance your Throat Chakra...
A Sodalite necklace is the perfect choice!
Earrings can be nice alternatives too.
Which Zodiac Does It Pair With?
Sodalite is a gemstone that’s a nice match for the Sagittarius zodiac sign and is also suited to honest people. Though found in nature, it also enhances the progressive way of thinking that’s common among Sagittarians.
When met with adventures, these active members of the zodiac might have difficulty handling life’s storms without the soothing nature of Sodalite.
Through exploration and deep journeys, this green gemstone can help deep-thinking members of the zodiac figure out how to approach honesty with tact and love.
Sodalite Interesting Facts
- Sodalite is a blue gemstone that has been around for centuries. It was first discovered in Greenland back in 1811 and quickly became popular among royals. In fact, the Prince and Princess of Wales fell in love with it and had it shipped to England!
For that reason it is sometimes also referred to as Princess Blue after Princess Patricia of Connaught.
She fell so much in love with the gemstone whilst staying in Canada, that on her return to the UK she had whole areas of various rooms in Marlborough House decorated with Sodalite.
Sodalite is usually identified by its color, as it does not have any obvious distinguishing features.
Since the Silicon and Oxygen bonds that make up this mineral are strong covalent bonds the tectosilicate minerals tend to have a high hardness.. but Sodalite only has hardness of 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale on hardness!
Sodalite Texture
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You sure do love Sodalite! We're happy that you're so interested and we welcome you to check out our crystal facts page for more info.