Physical Properties of Sodalite
Sodalite is a type of blue mineral with gemstone qualities, and may occur in a range of colors from dark blue to green, yellow, and white, pale red, and colorless, although it is typically just blue with flecks of white calcite. A variety of sodalite that changes colors after getting exposed to light is known as hackmanite. Blue sodalite is often used as bead jewelry, with a hardness rating of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
Sodalite bears a resemblance to lazurite (and lapis lazuli), perhaps because it belongs in the same mineral family as lazurite (along with a few others like tugtupite, nosean, and hauyne). It seems to be a rather uncommon gemstone, mostly mined from Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and Arkansas in USA. Other deposits are found in Brazil, Bolivia, India, Myanmar, Namibia, and Russia. It typically occurs in massive form in its natural state, while actual transparent/translucent crystals are rare.
Although some early cultures in South America held this blue stone beauty in high esteem, sodalite was only described in western literature as late as the 19th century, and this may be due in part to its uncommon occurrence. Large-scale use of sodalite as an ornamental stone only began in the late 19th century. Today, most sodalite jewelry is made from the massif, opaque form. Although not the hardest of stones, sodalite is safe and durable enough to be worn daily as jewelry.
Metaphysical Properties of Sodalite
For metaphysical work, sodalite is an excellent stone for the throat chakra area, which is the domain for communication. It enhances intra-group cooperation and facilitates solidarity and unity of purpose in a group of people. It encourages the inner knowing of universal laws, while aiding calmness to permeate the heart. Sodalite is an excellent stone to hold in one’s hand during a meditation session as it also relates to the pituitary gland, and thus, can help to further attune one’s psychic senses.
Sodalite is not only for groups, but for one-on-one relationships. It encourages feelings of companionship between two people, and helps those feelings of mutual co-dependence and trust to blossom, while encouraging one to recognize and verbalize one’s feelings.
Sodalite also goes along good with the logical mind. It helps dispel confusion while helping one to mentally adapt to every new situation that one may encounter. In this regard, sodalite helps support the rational part of the mind and assists one to accomplish one’s daily tasks with purpose and direction, while being light of heart.
Sodalite Healing Properties
For physical issues, sodalite has been used as an insomnia aid by placing a piece of sodalite under one’s pillow; it is often mentioned by alternative healers as one of the main stones for insomnia. Sodalite is also helpful for easing high blood pressure, and improving digestive disorders. It also helps with the absorption of calcium by the body, and can aid in the proper functioning of the endocrine glands. And of course, being a throat chakra stone, it is useful for sore throats and issues affecting the larynx.
