ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Sodalite

by Stephanie Pflumm

Sodalite is actually a rare gemstone. There also seems to be a bit of inaccurate information available about this unique blue stone, largely due to its look alike competition, the Lapis Lazuli. However with a little close examination and study, one can quickly learn to discern the difference between these two blues.

Most notable is the lack of Pyrite inclusions in Sodalite (Lapis is known for its golden Pyrite sparkles). The white streaks in Pyrite come from Calcium inclusions, which tend to lower the value of the gem. Sodalite's whitish streaks come from a mineral known as Natrolite. Lapis Lazuli is almost always blue; Sodalite can be more colorful with orangish reds, greens, whites and even pink variations. Finally, Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli are barely even related in the mineral kingdom.

Sodalite's closest cousins in the mineral world are the Feldspars (Calcite, Moonstone, Labradorite etc.). The gem is a member of the Feldspathoids group. Feldspathoids are gems and crystals that would have become Feldspars during the rock forming process IF the mineral solution had been rich in Silica (Quartz). However, the zones in which Feldspathoids form tend to have little or no Silica (an unusual situation since Silica is the most prevalent mineral on the planet). So they become Sodalites, Nephelines and Hackmanites instead of Moonstones or Calcites.

High amounts of Sodium gives the crystal its name (it literally means salt stone). The gem also includes Aluminum, Chlorine (its most unique component - very few gemstones contain Chlorine) and traces of Silicate. The blues in the stone come from the Chlorine content; the more Chlorine, the more blue the Sodalite will be. The Natrolite veins are usually white, but can also appear in red, green or pink.

The majority of Sodalite was born from volcanic action that caused Sodium Chloride to mix with older stone formations resulting in the new gem. Actual crystals of Sodalite are extremely rare. The vast majority of the mineral is found in massive rock formations. When they do exist, crystals primarily form as dodecahedrons. Transparent Sodalite crystals have been found near the eruption zones of Mt. Vesuvius.

Bancroft Ontario, Litchfield, Maine, Ice River British Columbia and Brazil are where the largest and most commercial Sodalite deposits occur. It is also found in smaller quantities in Greenland, Russia, Montana and India.

Knowledge of the Sodalite crystal seems to be limited to the last couple of hundred years or so. Most likely this is due to Sodalite's very similar physical appearance to Lapis Lazuli. Until we were fully capable of distinguishing the difference between these two blue gems, their histories were most likely intertwined.

Commercially the gemstone began to make a real splash in the late 1800's when Frank D. Adams first discovered the huge deposits in Bancroft Ontario. In 1893 Ontario displayed several rough and carved specimens of their "new" gemstone at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

In 1905 the Prince and Princess of Wales (not Diana and Charles) visited Canada and became instantly enamored with the "new" stone. They quickly arranged to have some shipped to England and not long afterwards the quarry where the it was mined became known as the Princess Sodalite Quarry. Today Canadian Sodalite is still traded occasionally under the name Princess Blue.

Another famous London residence also utilized the blue gemstone. Marlborough House, home to Sir Ernest Cassell. One hundred and thirty tons were shipped for the construction at a commercial value of $6000 in 1906.

However the decorative use of Sodalite dates back thousands of years to the ancient South American civilizations. In the 1870s Alfons Stubel found Sodalite beads along with Quartz and Obsidian arrowheads in the ruins of Tiahaunaco, a pre-columbian city on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.

As we've become reacquainted this blue stone Spirit over the last hundred years or so, it has proven to be a powerful and life changing companion.

Truth can be elusive, especially when we try to hide it from ourselves. Sodalite can assist you on a journey to discover the true nature of yourself and the limitless power you have to create your life. Working with this gemstone can help you see through the deceptions that both society and you use to prevent your total potential from being realized.

Sodalite will teach you to trust the instinctive knowledge of what is in the best interest of your highest good. With this gentle teacher you will more easily recognize choices that are correct for you and the strength to choose them.

When you are facing a difficult decision, try meditating with Sodalite. It will allow you to observe what is happening without the drama emotions can cause. By removing the emotional element, the gem gives you a clarity that allows you to take a more rational approach to solving dilemmas.

The darker blue Sodalite specimens can be powerful Third Eye Chakra tools. Keeping your Sixth Chakra clear and balanced is essential for sharpening intuitive and psychic skills. You may also benefit from the blues in Sodalite if you have trouble speaking up for yourself, or honoring your spirit. When learning to say no or standing up for what you believe in is necessary, carry a Sodalite. You'll begin to discover the courage and the voice to speak the words you've been keeping back.

Students, double shift workers, moms and other rest challenged individuals will benefit from Sodalite's endurance energies. It can help to keep stress levels low, balance your spirit and mind and raise energy levels. Even during the most challenging schedules.

The gem's stress lowering abilities may also assist with related physical problems like high blood pressure, headaches and troubles with digestion.

Other health benefits of Sodalite may include a stronger immune and lymphatic system. It may assist the mind in tuning out clutter, allowing the body to fall into a more restful sleep. Wearing the gem near your throat may be beneficial in bring relief from minor irritations or hoarseness.

We seem to be rediscovering this rare blue gemstone. If you have any experiences or adventures with Sodalite that you would like to share, please send them to [email protected]