Sodalite: meaning, origin and properties

Often confused with lapis lazuli, sodalite is a gemstone with an azure-blue color veined with white, gray, or pink. Highly prized in both jewelry making and crystal healing, it is used to create necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and earrings.
Create your own natural stone jewelry with our sodalite jewelry components and beads!

What does sodalite mean?

The name “sodalite” comes from the Latin “soda,” meaning sodium, and “lithos,” meaning “stone.” It is, therefore, the sodium stone!

The Origin of Sodalite

Although blue sodalite was likely used by ancient civilizations to make jewelry and decorative objects, its “official” discovery did not occur until 1806 in Greenland. It was first identified and described by the Scottish chemist and mineralogist Thomas Thomson in 1811.

In the early 20th century, during a diplomatic visit to Canada, Mary of Teck, wife of King George V, fell head over heels in love with this blue stone. She then ordered a large quantity of it for the decoration of Marlborough House in London, greatly contributing to the popularity of sodalite.

What color is sodalite?

This gemstone is a deep azure blue, with light—or even white, gray, purple, and pink—veins and spots. It is a gemstone that is both opaque and translucent.
Because of its blue color, it is often mistaken for lapis lazuli.

What are the properties of sodalite?

This blue stone belongs to the feldspathoid family. It has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 onthe Mohs scale, and its density ranges from 2.27 to 2.33.

Where can sodalite be found?

The main deposits of sodalite are found in Afghanistan, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Bahia, the United States, France, Greenland, India, Italy, Pakistan, and Africa.

What are the benefits of sodalite?

In crystal healing, sodalite symbolizes understanding. It is said to promote mental clarity, communication, intuition, and creativity. It is also believed to help develop self-control and logical thinking.
It is considered a stone of balance and calm. It is also said to be the perfect stone for meditation.

Sodalite is associated with the throat chakra. This is the chakra linked to communication, self-expression, and listening.

Please note: Our gemstones are not sold for use in crystal healing. The effects of gemstones have not been scientifically proven. Natural gemstones are in no way a substitute for medical expertise or medical treatment.

How do you recharge sodalite?

Like all natural stones used in crystal healing, sodalite must be purified and recharged regularly to restore its full energy.
To cleanse it of negative energy and purify it, there are several methods:

• with distilled water: simply rinse it or place it in a container filled with water for a few hours. Caution: Salt water could damage the stone.
• With smudging: The purifying smoke from sage, palo santo, or other herbs is an effective method. This involves wafting the smoke around the sodalite for a few moments.
• With soil: This technique involves burying the stone in the ground overnight. Be sure to clean and dry the stone after digging it up.

It can be recharged by placing it in direct sunlight for a few hours or under moonlight at night. To enhance the process, you can place it on a cluster of quartz or an amethyst geode.

How should you wear sodalite?

Sodalite is a natural stone that pairs equally well with warm and cool colors. Gold filled, 3-micron gold-plated, gold-plated stainless steel, 925 Sterling Silver fine gold plated, and even Rose Gold will enhance its intense color. But if you’re looking for jewelry with a cool, understated elegance, 925 Sterling Silver or stainless steel will be perfect.
In crystal healing, it’s recommended to pair it with complementary stones or those with similar energetic and synergistic properties, such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, howlite, rock crystal, or blue calcite. But there’s nothing stopping you from using it with other semi-precious stones.

Which stones should you avoid pairing with it? Crystal healers advise against wearing stones with conflicting energies. The combination of black tourmaline and sodalite, for example, should be avoided.