Sodalite, which is composed of Sodium Aluminum Silicate with Chlorine, is a rare tectosilicate mineral that is typically a dark royal blue color. It usually occurs in massive forms, and has been popular for use in ornamental applications ranging from jewelry to expensive carvings ever since it was brought into the wider market. It was first found in Greenland in 1806; however, much bigger deposits were found in 1891 in Bancroft, near Ontario, Canada. Since then many other localities have been discovered these include Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec in Canada, several sites in Arkasas, USA, as well as Bolivia, Brazil, Myanmar, Portugal, Romania, and Russia. It has a vitreous or greasy luster and a white streak.
Na4Al3(SiO4)3Cl |
|
|