Knowra Sodalite Sodalite Sodalite is a chlorine-bearing feldspathoid mineral, commonly blue, found in silica-poor igneous rocks. Its vivid color and ability to take a polish make it a decorative stone.
Feldspathoid : A silica-poor aluminosilicate mineral that occurs where feldspar is absent or scarce. Sodalite belongs to this mineral group, which forms in silica-undersaturated rocks.
Sodalite structure type : A cubic aluminosilicate framework with cages that can contain anions and other guest species. Sodalite’s framework cages accommodate chloride and help define its mineral chemistry.
Silica undersaturation : A magma or rock composition with too little silica to form minerals such as quartz. Sodalite forms in rocks whose chemistry excludes quartz and favors feldspathoids.
Ornamental stone : A natural stone cut or polished primarily for decorative use. Sodalite’s strong blue color makes it a popular material for carvings and interior objects.
Lazurite : A sulfur-bearing feldspathoid mineral that is the principal blue component of lapis lazuli. Lazurite is a related blue feldspathoid, but its sulfur-rich chemistry differs from sodalite’s chlorine-bearing composition.
Sodalite group : A mineral group whose members share a related framework structure and include sodalite, hauyne, and lazurite. Sodalite is the group’s namesake and its chlorine-rich member.
Color centers : Defects or impurities in a solid that absorb selected wavelengths and produce visible color. Color centers contribute to the blue coloration of many sodalite specimens.
Nepheline syenite : A coarse-grained igneous rock rich in alkali feldspar and nepheline, with little or no quartz. This silica-poor intrusive rock commonly hosts sodalite.
Sodalite (gemstone) : Sodalite cut, polished, or shaped for jewelry and decorative objects. Its gem and lapidary uses depend on color, pattern, and the ability to take a polish.
Hauyne : A sulfate-bearing feldspathoid mineral in the sodalite group, often blue and found in silica-poor igneous rocks. Hauyne shares sodalite’s group structure but is distinguished by sulfate-bearing chemistry.
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