Comparison · Minerals
Kyanite vs Sodalite
Kyanite and Sodalite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Kyanite and Sodalite
- Both sit near Mohs 5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Kyanite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.3 for Sodalite).
- They overlap in blue, but Kyanite also comes in green, orange, and black and Sodalite also comes in white and gray.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Kyanite is triclinic, Sodalite is cubic.
Kyanite vs Sodalite properties
| Property | Kyanite | Sodalite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | cubic |
| Common colors | Blue, Green, Orange, Black | Blue, Blue with white veins, Gray-Blue |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$300+ | $5–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Kyanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Sodalite, and premium Kyanite can reach $300 or more.
About Kyanite
Kyanite is a blue silicate mineral unique for having different hardness values depending on the direction of scratch (4-5 lengthwise, 6-7 crosswise).
About Sodalite
Sodalite is a rich royal blue mineral often with white calcite veining. It's sometimes confused with lapis lazuli but lacks the golden pyrite flecks.
Kyanite vs Sodalite FAQ
Is Kyanite the same as Sodalite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Kyanite from Sodalite?
Both sit near Mohs 5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Kyanite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.3 for Sodalite). They overlap in blue, but Kyanite also comes in green, orange, and black and Sodalite also comes in white and gray.
Which is harder, Kyanite or Sodalite?
Sodalite is harder: Mohs 5.5 against Mohs 5 for Kyanite.
Which is more valuable, Kyanite or Sodalite?
Kyanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Sodalite, and premium Kyanite can reach $300 or more.
