Sodalite
ID: sodalite
Na4Al3(SiO4)3Cl
Description
Sodalite is a tectosilicate mineral characterized by the chemical composition Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2. It functions as a sodium aluminum silicate containing chlorine and serves as the namesake for the sodalite group, which includes mineral species such as tugtupite, lazurite, nosean, and hauyne. Physically, the material ranges from opaque in its massive form to transparent or translucent when found as distinct crystals. While frequently utilized as a royal blue ornamental gemstone, its inclusion in ceramic science is defined by its specific framework silicate structure and elemental composition, which influence its behavior and reactivity during thermal processing.