Sodalite Bracelet

Sodalite is a rich blue ornamental mineral originally discovered in Greenland in 1806. The name Sodalite reflects the stone’s sodium content. Sodalite is found in all shades of blue. It is a major constituent of the rock lapis lazuli, so the two are easily confused. However, unlike lapis azuli, sodalite very rarely contains brassy pyrite specks. Even with this difference however, sodalite is used frequently as a substitute for the more rare and expensive lapis azuli. Sodalite gained notoriety in the 1800’s during a royal visit to Bancroft, Canada by Princess Margaret of England. The princess fell in love with the mineral and chose it as interior decoration for the "Marlborough House" . For this reason, sodalite from that Canadian area is sometimes called Princess Blue.

Sodalite is a member of the Feldspathoid group of minerals, which are formed in alkali rich, but silica poor environments. Sodalite’s beautiful, pure blue color makes it a popular stone for jewelry and ornaments. The stone is generally cut flat or as a cabochon. Clear crystals are very rarely found. Some sodalite crystals may be found in Mount Vesuvius or Arisquarry, Namibia, however they are rarely large enough to be faceted. Sodalite rates a 5.5 on the hardness scale. It is a dark blue, vitreous and semi transparent to semi translucent stone. Sodalite is not a surface stone. It is usually brought up from the deepest levels of the earth through volcanic activity and is found as masses in igneous rocks. Large sodalite crystals are very rare but twelve sided crystals have been found in the lavas of the volcano Vesuvius in Italy, although they are too small to be used in jewelry.- Jewelsforme.com

Sodalite enhances self-esteem, self-acceptance and self-trust. Sodalite balances the metabolism, boosts the immune system and overcomes calcium deficiencies. It combats radiation damage by soaking up electromagnetic smog. Sodalite treats the throat, vocal cords, larynx and helps with hoarseness and digestive disorders.

Sometimes called the wisdom stone, sodalite is said to enhance concentration and bolster courage. The stone is believed to have many positive attributes when it comes to its wearer’s emotions. It supposedly provides health the mind and emotions. It clears out negativity and unnecessary guilt, promotes clear thinking, rids one of fears and confusion, increases stability, and generates harmony with others, as well as the inner self. There are many positive attributes of the stone for the physical body as well. Sodalite is said to help the body maintain a healthy and stable metabolism, ease sleep disorders, strengthen immune responses of the body and the lymph system, and aid the thyroid. It has also been said that wearing sodalite on a regular basis aids the body in the production of insulin. Some consider sodalite a stone of the astrological sign Libra. - jewelsforme.com

The name sodalite comes from the Greek words soda and lithos, which means salt stone, as the stone contains a lot of salt. Sodalite was discovered in Canada in 1891 during a visit of the Royal family, which earned it the nickname ‘Princess Blue’.

Throughout history it was believed that sodalite improved creativity. This lead to a high use among writers and artists. It was often confused with lapis lazuli and many ornamental figures first identified as lapis lazuli are actually made of sodalite. - gemcoach.com