If you’re a fan of blue gemstones, you may have come across Lapis Lazuli and Blue Sodalite. Both are beautiful stones with deep blue hues, but they have distinct differences. In this article, we will compare Lapis Lazuli and Blue Sodalite in terms of their history, composition, appearance, uses, pricing, and availability.
History and Significance
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli has a long history of use in art, jewelry, and as a pigment for painting. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to have healing properties and was often used in burials. It was also used to create jewelry and other decorative objects, including King Tutankhamun’s mask.
In medieval Europe, Lapis Lazuli was believed to have mystical properties and was used in amulets and talismans. It was also used to create pigment for illuminated manuscripts and paintings, including the famous blue in Madonna and Child paintings.
Today, Lapis Lazuli is still used in jewelry and art, and is believed to have healing properties related to spiritual and emotional well-being. It is associated with the throat chakra and is said to help with communication, self-expression, and inner truth.
Blue Sodalite
Blue Sodalite has a more recent history than Lapis Lazuli. It was discovered in Greenland in 1806 and was later found in Canada, Brazil, India, and other locations around the world.
Despite its relatively recent discovery, Blue Sodalite has become popular in jewelry and decorative objects. It is also used in carvings and sculptures due to its durability and unique patterns.
Blue Sodalite is said to promote a sense of calmness and inner peace, and is associated with the throat and third eye chakras. It is believed to help with communication, self-expression, and intuition.
Composition and Physical Properties
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals, including lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. The primary mineral, lazurite, gives Lapis Lazuli its distinct blue color. It is a relatively soft stone with a Mohs hardness of 5-6.
Lapis Lazuli can have variations in color and pattern due to the presence of other minerals, such as white calcite and gold-colored pyrite. It can have a deep blue hue or a lighter blue with white streaks.
Blue Sodalite
Blue Sodalite is a mineral composed of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and chlorine. It is a deep blue color with white streaks and is often mistaken for Lapis Lazuli. However, Blue Sodalite has a different mineral composition and does not contain pyrite.
Blue Sodalite is a relatively hard stone with a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6. It can have variations in color and pattern due to the presence of other minerals, such as calcite and nepheline.
Appearance and Visual Differences
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue stone with white or gold-colored streaks. It can have variations in color and pattern due to the presence of other minerals, such as white calcite and gold-colored pyrite.
Lapis Lazuli is often used in jewelry and art due to its striking blue color and unique patterns. It is commonly cut into cabochons, beads, and other shapes for jewelry-making.
Blue Sodalite
Blue Sodalite is a deep blue stone with white streaks. It can have variations in color and pattern due to the presence of other minerals, such as calcite and nepheline.
Blue Sodalite is often used in jewelry-making, carvings, and sculptures due to its durability and unique patterns. It is commonly cut into cabochons, beads, and other shapes for jewelry-making.
Uses
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is often used in jewelry-making, as well as in decorative objects and art. It is believed to have healing properties related to spiritual and emotional well-being, including enhancing communication, self-expression, and inner truth.
In addition to its use in jewelry and art, Lapis Lazuli has also been used as a pigment for painting. It was used in ancient times to create the famous blue in Madonna and Child paintings, as well as in illuminated manuscripts.
Blue Sodalite
Blue Sodalite is also used in jewelry-making and decorative objects. It is believed to promote a sense of calmness and inner peace, as well as enhance communication, self-expression, and intuition.
Blue Sodalite is also used in carvings and sculptures due to its durability and unique patterns. It is often carved into figurines and other objects for decorative purposes.
Pricing and Availability
Lapis Lazuli
According to Gemstone Jewellery Wholesale experts said, Lapis Lazuli is a relatively expensive gemstone due to its scarcity and the difficulty in obtaining high-quality stones. The price of Lapis Lazuli can vary depending on factors such as color, pattern, and size. Larger stones with intense blue color and minimal inclusions can be quite expensive.
Lapis Lazuli is primarily sourced from Afghanistan, but it can also be found in Chile, Russia, and other countries.
Blue Sodalite
Blue Sodalite is a more affordable gemstone than Lapis Lazuli, but it can still vary in price depending on factors such as color, pattern, and size. Larger stones with intense blue color and minimal inclusions can be more expensive.
Blue Sodalite is primarily sourced from Brazil, but it can also be found in Canada, India, and other countries.
Conclusion
Lapis Lazuli and Blue Sodalite are two beautiful blue gemstones with distinct differences in history, composition, appearance, uses, pricing, and availability. Lapis Lazuli has a long history of use in art, jewelry, and as a pigment for painting, and is believed to have healing properties related to spiritual and emotional well-being. Blue Sodalite, on the other hand, has a more recent history and is primarily used in jewelry-making, carvings, and sculptures. While Lapis Lazuli is a relatively expensive gemstone, Blue Sodalite is more affordable but still beautiful in its own right. Ultimately, the choice between the two gemstones comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the stone.
