Sodalite

Structure and Properties of Sodalite

• Sodalite's structure was first studied by Linus Pauling in 1930.
• The structure consists of tetrahedra with silicon and aluminum atoms at the corners.
• Oxygen atoms link between the SiO and AlO tetrahedra.
• The structure contains six-membered and four-membered rings of tetrahedra.
• Sodalite's structure can expand and uncrumple with increasing temperature.
• Sodalite is a feldspathoid mineral named after its sodium content.
• It is known for its blue color, but can also be grey, yellow, green, or pink.
• Sodalite is often mottled with white veins or patches.
• It is relatively hard but fragile and can be used in jewelry and various applications.
• Sodalite exhibits fluorescence under ultraviolet light and may show tenebrescence.

Hackmanite

• Hackmanite is a variety of sodalite that exhibits tenebrescence.
• It can change color from pale violet to greyish or greenish white.
• Hackmanite from Afghanistan and Myanmar Republic turns violet to pink-red in sunlight.
• Tenebrescence can be accelerated by ultraviolet light.
• Hackmanite may also fluoresce orange under UV light.

Occurrence of Sodalite

• Sodalite was first described in 1811 in West Greenland.
• It is typically found as vein fillings in plutonic igneous rocks.
• Sodalite is associated with minerals like leucite, cancrinite, and natrolite.
• Significant deposits of fine material are found in Canada and the US.
• Smaller deposits are found in South America, Portugal, Romania, Burma, and Russia.

History of Sodalite

• The Caral culture traded for sodalite from the Collao altiplano.
• Sodalite has been known since the early 19th century.
• Its structure was studied by Linus Pauling in 1930.
• Sodalite has been used in various cultural and historical contexts.
• It continues to be valued for its beauty and unique properties.

Definition, Composition, and Synthesis of Sodalite

• Sodalite is a mineral belonging to the sodalite group.
• It is composed of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.
• The chemical formula of sodalite is Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2.
• It has a cubic crystal system and a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.
• Sodalite is often blue in color, but it can also be found in other colors such as white, gray, or green.
• Sodalite can be synthesized in the laboratory through hydrothermal processes.
• The crystal structure of sodalite consists of cages formed by interconnected tetrahedra of silicon and aluminum.
• These cages can accommodate various cations and anions, leading to the formation of different sodalite compositions.
• Enclathrated sodalites, where guest molecules are trapped within the cages, have been successfully synthesized.
• The crystal structure of sodalite is widely studied for its applications in materials science and catalysis.

Applications and Uses of Sodalite

• Sodalite is commonly used as a gemstone and in jewelry making.
• It is also used as a decorative stone in carvings, beads, and cabochons.
• Sodalite is sometimes used as a substitute for lapis lazuli due to its similar blue color.
• In industry, sodalite is utilized as a source of sodium and aluminum.
• Its unique optical and fluorescence properties make it desirable for collectors and enthusiasts.

Sodalite Data Sources