Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Minerals
Lapis Lazuli vs Sodalite
Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, 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 Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Lapis Lazuli leaves a light blue streak on unglazed porcelain, Sodalite leaves white.
- Lapis Lazuli feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 2.8 versus 2.3 for Sodalite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Lapis Lazuli is opaque, Sodalite is translucent.
- They overlap in blue, but Lapis Lazuli also comes in yellow and Sodalite also comes in white and gray.
Lapis Lazuli vs Sodalite properties
| Property | Lapis Lazuli | Sodalite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | Light blue | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.8 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Deep Blue, Blue, Blue with gold flecks | Blue, Blue with white veins, Gray-Blue |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$500+ | $5–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Lapis Lazuli is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Sodalite, and premium Lapis Lazuli can reach $500 or more.
About Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock prized since antiquity. The golden flecks are pyrite inclusions, while the blue comes from lazurite.
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.
Lapis Lazuli vs Sodalite FAQ
Is Lapis Lazuli the same as Sodalite?
No. Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious stone while Sodalite is a mineral. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Lapis Lazuli from Sodalite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Lapis Lazuli leaves a light blue streak on unglazed porcelain, Sodalite leaves white. Lapis Lazuli feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 2.8 versus 2.3 for Sodalite).
Which is harder, Lapis Lazuli or Sodalite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 5.5.
Which is more valuable, Lapis Lazuli or Sodalite?
Lapis Lazuli is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Sodalite, and premium Lapis Lazuli can reach $500 or more.
