Typically blue, durable, and easy to cut, sodalite is highly desired by hobbyists. Even stones that lack transparency make lovely faceted gems.

The gemstone known as sodalite belongs to the sodalite mineral group, which includes haüyne, lazurite, and nosean. All typically blue, these minerals are actually found in lapis lazuli. That is, lapis is a rock made up principally of these materials. However, sodalite and haüyne can also occur separately and even have their own varieties.

Sodalites are tough but scratch easily due to their relatively low hardness (5.5-6). Other popular jewelry stones, like quartz and topaz, will scratch them. (So will household dust, over time, with its hardness of 7-7.5). Store any sodalite jewelry separately from other pieces to avoid contact scratches. Use protective settings for ring wear. Necklace and earring use should pose fewer risks. Clean these gems only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water.

Massive blue cutting grade sodalite from the Ice River area near the Kicking Horse Pass provides material for carvings, cabochons and decorative objects.