What's That Rock?Sodalite
A deep blue mineral, often crossed by white veins. It is lighter than most blue stones.
How to identify Sodalite
- Deep blue with white calcite veins
- Lacks the golden pyrite flecks of lapis lazuli
- Light for a stone
Often confused with
- Lapis lazulihas pyrite specks
- Azuritesofter, more intense
- Dyed howlite
Is Sodalite valuable?
Inexpensive.
Typical retail prices
Tumbled stone$1–4each
Rough$6–25per pound
Cut gemstone$1–6per carat
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Color: an even deep blue is best; gray or heavily veined material costs less
- Look-alikes: lapis lazuli is more valuable, sodalite is often sold as a cheaper stand-in
- It is plentiful, so tumbles, beads and carvings are inexpensive
- Gem stones are mostly cut as cabochons
Uses
- Beads, carvings, decorative stone
Care
Brittle. Safe to wash briefly.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026