Sunset Sodalite Freeforms

Description

Take a look at these specially chosen sunset sodalite freeforms! Every one of them is UV reactive. The pictures do not do them justice. They glow a red-orange tone. We have a wide range of sizes to suit your needs. We have 4 pieces available. They are great gifts for a collector and can be used in your room décor.

Options:

1. Diamond-like shape- Approx. 2.60 X 1.50 X 1.50″, 113g
2. Next largest- Approx. 2.00 X 2.00 X 1.75″, 110g
3. Stripes- Approx. 2.75 X 1.00 X 0.75″, 68g
4. X- Approx. 1.75 X 0.80 X 0.50″, 34g

Learn About Sodalite and the Sodalite Group

Sodalite, a captivating mineral with a vibrant blue hue, belongs to the sodalite group of tectosilicate minerals. Its chemical composition is Na8[AlSiO4]6Cl2, revealing its sodium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and chlorine constituents. This unique composition contributes to its striking color and various properties.

Sodalite is primarily found in igneous rocks, particularly nepheline syenite and phonolite. Notable mining locations include Canada, Greenland, Myanmar, and Russia. Its association with other minerals like hackmanite, lapis lazuli, and yooperlite within the sodalite-syenite series is intriguing.

Hackmanite, a variety of sodalite, exhibits a fascinating property known as tenebrescence. It changes color from colorless to pink or purple when exposed to ultraviolet light and reverts to its original color in darkness. Lapis lazuli, another member of the sodalite group, is a deep blue gemstone prized for its beauty and historical significance. It contains lazurite, a sodalite-group mineral, along with other minerals like pyrite and calcite. Yooperlite, a fluorescent sodalite variety, emits a bright orange glow under ultraviolet light, making it a sought-after collector’s item.

The sodalite-syenite series highlights the diverse range of minerals that can form within similar geological environments. Sodalite, with its distinct characteristics and captivating beauty, continues to fascinate both geologists and gem enthusiasts alike. The sodalite groups is part of the feldspathoid group.

A Bit About Sunset Sodalite

Sunset sodalite differs from common sodalite by the orange veins often found running through them. Many believe this is due to the presence of iron in these samples. This is where the trade name came from, actually. While some may prefer more accurate names for gemstones and minerals, this trade name does help set it apart from other sodalite veins that do not have this characteristic orange hue. However, if you check out the pictures in the sodalite page on mindat.org, you will see that some samples labeled as sodalite have the orange hue. Given this information, what do you think the orange comes from?

UV Reactivity in the Sodalite Group

When it comes to UV reactivity, both sodalite and hackmanite exhibit interesting responses to ultraviolet light. When exposed to ultraviolet light, some sodalite specimens may display fluorescence or phosphorescence, emitting visible light in response to the UV radiation. This UV reactivity is a notable characteristic of certain sodalite minerals and adds to their visual appeal and interest to collectors.

These sunset sodalite freeforms are WYSIWYGs.

For those who are unfamiliar with WYSIWYG, it means: What You See Is What You Get. Pieces identified as WYSIWYGs are not a random pull of stones that are similar to the one(s) pictured. Instead, you receive the actual piece that is pictured.

If you like sodalite, you’ll love our hackmanite. Check out this link.

Please Note:

1. Sizes and weights are approximate. Dimension sizes can vary based on the way the rock is formed. We hand measure our pieces on the longest side. Please see the pictures in the listing.
2. The colors may vary due to monitor and lighting differences.
3. Please use your own judgment when allowing children to handle.
4. Not suggested for use in animal habitats or fish tanks.
5. UV Notes: For gemstones, 365nm is the best for UV lighting. Only some specimens illuminate under the other part of this spectrum (370-400nm). This is why some pictures are not as clear for our UV reactive pieces. Our current lights are at 395nm. For home use, the 395nm is less expensive, but in some cases, will need a zoomed beam on the flashlight style UV lights. If you do use a 365nm light, please take care to use eye protection.