Lapis Lazuli vs Sodalite
Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite are easy to confuse. Here’s how they stack up on the properties that actually separate them.
| Lapis Lazuli | Sodalite | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Blue | Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple |
| Mohs hardness | — | 5.5–6 |
| Lustre | — | Dull vitreous to greasy |
| Streak | — | White |
| Crystal system | — | Cubic |
| Transparency | — | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | — | Poor on {110} |
| Fracture | — | Conchoidal to uneven |
| Specific gravity | — | 2.27–2.33 |
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Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to tell Lapis Lazuli from Sodalite?
Compare lustre, streak and crystal habit side by side — colour alone won't settle it.