Sodalite...The Soft-Drink Mineral?

     With a name like sodalite one might think that this is a mineral fit for drinking. Actually, sodalite is named for its sodium content.
     Sodalite is a mineral that rarely forms crystals. Dodecahedral (twelve-sided) crystals of sodalite have been found in the lava of Mt. Vesuvius, but sodalite is generally found in massive form. Pure sodalite is transparent or translucent and colorless, but the mineral is most often found as opaque masses that come in all shades of blue. Sodalite is a component in the rock lapis lazuli. You can tell lapis lazuli and sodalite apart by the fact that sodalite has a lower specific gravity (feels lighter when you hold it in your hand) and does not usually contain pyrite as lapis lazuli often does. Sodalite can, however, contain streaks of the mineral calcite (I think that the white streaks in the picture are examples of these.)
Sodalite’s main use is as a decorative stone. Sodalite is often cut into cameos, cabochons, and tumbled in rock tumblers.
     A major source of sodalite is Bancroft in Ontario, Canada. Sodalite was discovered there during a visit from Princess Margaret of England, so sodalite from Bancroft is sometimes called “Princess Blue.” other sources include Brazil, the USA, Namibia, and India.
     Sodalite can be a nice addition to one’s mineral collection. Just remember: it’s not for drinking!