Lapis vs. Sodalite

Attribute	Lapis	Sodalite
Color	Deep blue with gold flecks	Blue with white streaks
Composition	Primarily composed of lazurite	Primarily composed of sodium aluminum silicate
Hardness	5-6 on Mohs scale	5.5-6 on Mohs scale
Origin	Afghanistan, Chile	Brazil, Canada

Appearance

Lapis and sodalite are both beautiful blue gemstones that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue stone with flecks of pyrite that give it a shimmering effect. It is often used in jewelry and decorative objects due to its rich color and striking appearance. Sodalite, on the other hand, is a lighter blue stone with white veining that can resemble denim. It is also used in jewelry and carvings, but is less commonly seen than lapis.

Composition

While lapis and sodalite may look similar, they are actually composed of different minerals. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals, including lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. The presence of pyrite is what gives lapis its distinctive gold flecks. Sodalite, on the other hand, is a tectosilicate mineral that is part of the feldspathoid group. It is composed of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and chlorine, which give it its blue color.

Hardness

When it comes to hardness, lapis and sodalite have different ratings on the Mohs scale. Lapis lazuli has a hardness of 5 to 5.5, making it relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This means that it can be easily scratched or damaged if not handled with care. Sodalite, on the other hand, has a hardness of 5.5 to 6, making it slightly harder than lapis. While still not as hard as some other gemstones, sodalite is more durable and less prone to scratching.

Origin

Lapis lazuli has been prized for its beauty for thousands of years and has been mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years. The best quality lapis comes from the mines in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, where it has been extracted for centuries. Sodalite, on the other hand, is found in several locations around the world, including Canada, Brazil, and Russia. The most famous source of sodalite is the Ilimaussaq complex in Greenland, where large deposits of high-quality sodalite can be found.

Metaphysical Properties

Both lapis and sodalite are believed to have metaphysical properties that can benefit the wearer. Lapis lazuli is associated with truth, wisdom, and communication. It is said to enhance intellectual abilities and stimulate the desire for knowledge. Sodalite, on the other hand, is believed to promote logic, rational thinking, and emotional balance. It is said to help with communication and self-expression, making it a popular stone for those who struggle with speaking their truth.

Uses

Due to their beautiful blue color, lapis and sodalite are both used in jewelry and decorative objects. Lapis lazuli is often carved into beads, cabochons, and figurines, and is also used in inlay work and mosaics. Sodalite is less commonly seen in jewelry, but is still used in beads, cabochons, and carvings. It is also used in decorative objects such as bookends, vases, and paperweights. Both stones are relatively affordable and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while lapis and sodalite may look similar at first glance, they are actually quite different in terms of composition, hardness, origin, and metaphysical properties. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals, including lazurite and pyrite, while sodalite is a tectosilicate mineral composed of sodium and aluminum. Lapis is softer than sodalite and is more commonly found in Afghanistan, while sodalite is found in various locations around the world. Both stones have metaphysical properties that are said to benefit the wearer, making them popular choices for jewelry and decorative objects.