Comparison · Silicate Minerals vs Minerals
Lazurite vs Sodalite
Lazurite and Sodalite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 5.25, 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 Lazurite and Sodalite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.25, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Lazurite leaves a light blue streak on unglazed porcelain, Sodalite leaves white.
- They overlap in blue, but Lazurite also comes in purple and Sodalite also comes in white and gray.
Lazurite vs Sodalite properties
| Property | Lazurite | Sodalite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.25 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | Light blue | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.4 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Blue, Deep blue, Azure blue, Violet blue | Blue, Blue with white veins, Gray-Blue |
| Rarity | rare | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$600+ | $5–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Lazurite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $20 for Sodalite, and premium Lazurite can reach $600 or more.
About Lazurite
Lazurite is a deep blue feldspathoid mineral of the sodalite group and the main coloring component of the rock lapis lazuli. It occurs as rounded grains and rare dodecahedral crystals in metamorphosed limestone.
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.
Lazurite vs Sodalite FAQ
Is Lazurite the same as Sodalite?
No. Lazurite is a silicate mineral while Sodalite is a mineral. Both sit near Mohs 5.25, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Lazurite from Sodalite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.25, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Lazurite leaves a light blue streak on unglazed porcelain, Sodalite leaves white. They overlap in blue, but Lazurite also comes in purple and Sodalite also comes in white and gray.
Which is harder, Lazurite or Sodalite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 5.25.
Which is more valuable, Lazurite or Sodalite?
Lazurite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $20 for Sodalite, and premium Lazurite can reach $600 or more.
