Sodalite beads name comes from its primary component, sodium. Although it can be just about any shade of blue, most of the sodalite used in jewelry is a royal to midnight blue. Solalite and lapis lazuli are often confused because sodalite is one of the major constituents of lapis. Though it usually lacks pyrite, sodalite occasionally will show the golden specks that are so typical of lapis. The most foolproof way to tell the two gems apart is that sodalite has a lower specific gravity. The white streaks or patches in sodalite are calcite.
Sodalite usually occurs in masses in silica-poor igneous rocks. Actual crystals are extremely rare, though some twelve-sided crystals have been found in the lavas of Italy’s Mt. Vesuvius. These crystals, however, were too small to be used in jewelry. In general, sodalite crystals that can be faceted for gems are rare. Sodalite is usually polished as a cabochon or bead. It’s also been used widely in carvings, in everything from tiny animal figurines to large garden benches.

Sodalite beads Astrology: connected with Sagittarius
Chakra: 5th (throat) and 6th (third eye)
Metaphysically, sodalite is said to be a cooling stone that sharpens all mental functions. It’s known for clarifying perceptions and communication, and linking intuition and logic. It will stimulate the third eye chakra and can aid in deepening meditation. Sodalite is also said to be particularly good for helping understand one’s present circumstances.

Sodalite beads are a lovely, inexpensive way to add deep-blue to a piece of jewelry when you don’t want to spring for the pricier lapis lazuli. They will always look beautiful with silver beads, but here are some other possible combinations: sodalite and white or grey pearls; sodalite and clear quartz and iolite. For bold pairings, bead sodalite and malachite or sodalite and red jasper; and for a mystical, luminous blend, try sodalite and kyanite.

Sodalite Beads
Color: Blue, grey, with white veining
Chemical composition: Na8 (Cl2Al6Si6O24) chloric sodium aluminum silicate
Mohs’ hardness: 5 ½-6
Transparency: Opaque, translucent
Luster: Vitreous, though greasy on fractures
Fracture: Uneven, conchoidal
Crystal system: Isometric; rhombic dodecahedra, grainy aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Specific gravity: 2.13-2.29
Refractive index: 1.48
Dispersion: None
Pleochroism: None
Fluorescence: Strong; orange
Occurrence: Brazil, Canada, India, Namimbia, United States