Sodalite gets its name from its high sodium content.

Chemical Formula: Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2
Class: Tectosilicates
Hardness: 5.5-6
Coloration: Gray, White, to blue

How to identify it/Unique Characteristics or Properties: Sodalite gets its name from its high sodium content. It ranges from transparent to opaque. The most famous varieties are blue, though the crystals are generally white and more translucent. Some famous sodalite was formed when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

Where to find it in…

The Northwest: Northern Canada
Other: Russia, Italy, Germany, India, Italy, Brazil.
Past Uses: Used as a gemstone when in high quality.
How it was Made: It forms in silicate poor lava, or when aluminum rich rocks get saturated with sodium water.
Interesting Facts: There is a clear version of this mineral that turns red when exposed to UV light.