Sodalite versus Lapis Lazuli Stone
Very Blue but Very Different Gemstones
Both Lovely Jewelry to Wear
"I love <3 to work with blue stones, and some of my best sellers are carved sodalite animals like manatees and rhinos , or aromatherapy necklaces with deep blue lapis lazuli stones."
Have you been confused by which blue stone is which? Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli look very similar, and an untrained eye could easily mistake one for the other. They are both beautiful and powerful gemstones in their own right! Here are some comparisons between Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli.
Sodalite Versus Lapis Lazuli Stone – Very Blue but Very Different Gemstone Jewelry to Wear
First … Their Color and Texture
The most obvious difference between the two when you see them are the types of inclusions of other minerals. Sodalite often has white veins of calcite, while the best lapis lazuli has dark or often flecks of golden silver. The more white calcite seen in either stone, the lesser the quality, but in terms of jewelry my requests are always to include as much of the white and gray with the blue to add interest for sodalite. Those who like lapis lazuli seem to prefer less calcite and more pyrite to see the flecks of yellow gold to silver. Blue is always the base color, but the stones of both kinds can look quite different!
Both stones, although more to the point for sodalite, often have fluorescent characteristics!
In general, the most common minerals and rocks that glow under UV light include fluorites, calcites, aragonites, opal, apatites, chalcedonys, corundums (ruby and sapphire), scheelites, selenites, smithsonites, sphalerites, and sodalites. Some of them can glow a particular color, but others can be in a rainbow of possible hues.
Calcite and sodalite commonly found in deposits in the US can be quite impressive at night, and recently there is even a trademark stone called “Yooperlite” found in Michigan shorelines that can look almost extraterrestrial. But guess what? It is sodalite! Here is an article about this fun and recent discovery: Yooperlite .
Differences from the Geological Perspective
The blue of lapis lazuli is generally even because it is fine-grained, whereas sodalite can share similar shades of blue but is more likely to have a blotchy or mottled appearance. Especially common are white veins that make some sodalite appear similar to denim in color. A confusion can occur as calcite can occur in both stones and sodalite can also occur as part of a lapis lazuli deposit.
What Is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a blue metamorphic rock that has been used by people for thousands of years. The most important mineral component of lapis lazuli is lazurite (25% to 40%), a feldspathoid silicate mineral with the formula (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)1-2. Most lapis lazuli also contains calcite (white), sodalite (blue), and pyrite (metallic yellow). Some samples of lapis lazuli contain augite, diopside, enstatite, mica, hauynite, hornblende, nosean, and sulfur-rich löllingite geyerite. Lapis lazuli usually occurs in crystalline marble as a result of contact metamorphism.
What Is Sodalite?
Sodalite is a crystalline aluminosilicate mineral rich in sodium. Commonly blue in daylight, it is a well-known fluorescent mineral. Sodalite is an uncommon gemstone mineral but very popular for its suggested metaphysical characteristics. It has a chemical composition of Na4Al3Si3O12Cl and is a member of the feldspathoid mineral group. High-quality sodalite is used as a gemstone for jewelry or a sculptural material, and as an architectural stone.
Sodalite occurs in igneous rocks that crystallized from sodium-rich magmas. This is the origin of the name "sodalite." These magmas also contained so little silicon and aluminum that quartz and feldspar are rarely part of sodalite.
Lapis lazuli stone is variously described as indigo, royal, midnight, or marine blue. Lapis lazuli's signature hue is slightly greenish blue to violet-blue, medium to dark in tone. In its most-prized form, lapis lazuli has no visible calcite, although it might contain gold-colored pyrite flecks. Occasionally, some cobalt blue lapis is found; it is very bright in contrast to the deepest blue lapis stones.
Aromatherapy Jewelry Set with Deep Blue Tone Lapis Lazuli Stone accents by Gwynstone
Metaphysical Properties
It is a lot of fun to think of the possible things natural materials can do to support you. From the science perspective, natural stones just feel so good to wear, and thinking of how they were formed so long ago, where, and what they are made of is interesting. Equally interesting is the possible energies and powers they are thought to have.
It is hard to deny that if you believe you are being supported, there is a certain power in that, and so I do like to think of the metaphysical properties or mystic quality the different gemstones are thought to offer to the wearer. You can find a lot of things about these two stones, but the most common ‘powers’ are listed for these stones in this chart.
Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite
| Category | Lapis Lazuli | Sodalite |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Stimulate spiritual wisdom and increase psychic abilities | Supports expressing the truth, logic, and inner peace |
| Who might benefit | People who struggle with self-expression can benefit from wearing this blue gemstone and become more vocal about their needs. | People wear it as it assists them in feeling peaceful and healing their troubles or conflicts, or their aching hearts. |
| Chakra associations | Throat Chakra and the third eye chakra | Brow Chakra and the third eye chakra |
So Which Is the Better Blue Stone?
Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli have much in common and yet have distinct differences. Both are naturally occurring semi-precious gemstones known for their protection against negative energy. It is suggested that they both can help in improving mental capacity, and for helping with clarity and wisdom. Whether you choose Sodalite or Lapis Lazuli, the lovely blues will be pleasing to your eyes and feel great on your skin.
As a handmade artisan and jewelry designer I cannot pick between these two! Both stones make me so happy when I get an order to work with them. Seems like the thing to do is make a necklace with both!
Do you have a favorite between these two stones? What are your thoughts on Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli Jewelry? Let me know and shoot me a comment about your experiences with these lovely stones!
