Sodalite Meaning, History, and Healing Properties
Sodalite is a deep blue stone often mistaken for lapis lazuli, though the two have distinct histories, structures, and meanings. This guide covers where sodalite comes from, what it’s made of, and the properties most commonly associated with it in crystal healing.
Opinions on sodalite’s therapeutic properties vary across sources, so what follows is a fair representation of the most consistent accounts. One point most agree on: sodalite is associated with calming the mind and easing fear.
History of the Stone
Before 1900
Sodalite was first discovered in Greenland in 1806, and analyzed five years later, in 1811, by Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson.
The stone didn’t gain wide recognition for decades. It wasn’t until 1891 that it was formally recognized as an ornamental stone.
After 1900
During a diplomatic trip to Canada in 1901, Mary of Teck (wife of King George V) discovered sodalite and became captivated by it. She ordered a large quantity to decorate her London residences, which quickly brought the stone into fashion.
Ornaments and jewelry featuring sodalite spread rapidly across Europe as its properties became more widely known.
What Does the Name “Sodalite” Mean?
The name is fairly straightforward: “soda” is short for sodium, and the second part of the name comes from the Greek “lithos,” meaning stone. Together, a literal translation of “sodium stone.”
Mineralogical Characteristics
Sodalite is a mineral belonging to the silicate group, composed of sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine.
Many variations exist, veined with white, with darker zones, with a pearly surface, and it can be found in both translucent and opaque forms.
It’s recognized primarily by its dominant azure blue color, though it can also appear gray, deep blue, or in other subtle shades.
Sodalite has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
Where Is Sodalite Found?
The main deposits are located in Bolivia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Canada, Greenland, the United States, India, Italy, and several other countries.
Properties and Uses in Crystal Healing
Physical
- Said to have a calming effect on fear and anxiety
- Believed to support better sleep
- Associated with regulating the nervous and glandular systems
- Said to support the throat and respiratory system (useful for sinusitis, bronchitis, sore throats)
- Believed to have anti-hemorrhagic properties
- Said to soothe irritated skin and eczema
Emotional and Spiritual
- Said to help restore optimism and joy
- Believed to counter negative thoughts and fear of failure
- Associated with building self-esteem
- Said to help with emotional regulation
- Believed to soften overly rigid thinking
- Associated with fostering teamwork and solidarity
- Said to support awakening and relaxation
How to Cleanse and Recharge Sodalite
When you receive a new stone, it’s important to cleanse and recharge it, and to repeat this periodically to keep it free of accumulated negative energy.
Cleansing
Place the stone in distilled or demineralized water (without salt) for 5 to 10 minutes.
Recharging
Leave the stone in moonlight overnight. Sodalite doesn’t respond well to direct sunlight, so avoid that. You can also place it on a quartz cluster or an amethyst geode.
Going Further
Astrological Signs
Sodalite is often associated with Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Libra.
Sodalite and Its Associated Chakras
Sodalite is linked to the sixth chakra (third eye/brow) and the seventh chakra (crown). It’s said to support better alignment of the upper chakras, preparing the mind for intuitive knowledge.
