In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as Dumortierite and sodalite it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Full Guide To Blue Aventurine vs. Sodalite (This Is The Difference)
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Dumortierite vs Sodalite – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical composition
The dumortierite gemstone is a borosilicate mineral with traces of aluminum. Sodalite is a tectosilicate mineral made of mainly sodium and chloride ions. It also has traces of aluminum, silicon, and oxides. It is classified to be a feldspathoid mineral group. The aluminosilicate present occurs in leucite and nepheline, which are primarily gems of igneous rocks.
Color
Majorly, dumortierite is usually dark or navy blue. This gemstone is also found in the colors green, violet, light pink, and violet. The presence of iron and other trivalent elements of aluminum causes the color difference.
Sodalite is also mainly blue. Moreover, it is also found in green, yellow, and pink colors. Some sodalite gemstones have white patches or veins. As blue as its primary color, it occurs in different shades, which are royal blue, light blue, and grayish blue.
These color variations of the sodalite are caused by the ultraviolet lights and the difference in the electromagnetic stretch.
Pattern and Clarity
For both gemstones, their surfaces are transparent to translucent, and thus they allow some light to pass through. However, some sodalite sample appears opaque.
The dumortierite has its crystals in an orthorhombic system, and its fibrous part is arranged colorfully. Dumortierite has no inclusions, but it forms them on other gemstones such as quartz. Sodalite, on the other hand, has inclusions of calcite which may appear black on the transparent. It forms a cubic crystal system with a waxy luster. Dumortierite has a vitreous luster, while that of the sodalite appears greasy and dull.
Also read: Full Guide To Lapis Lazuli vs. Sodalite (This is the Difference)
Hardness
The two gemstones vary greatly, with hardness as a factor. This is because dumortierite records a hardness of 7.0, and sodalite has a hardness of 5.5- 6.0 on the Mohs Scale.
Dumortierite is not easily scratched or broken because it is of higher hardness, while sodalite is prone to scratches even by the kitchen dust over time due to its soft nature. The fractures of the sodalite gemstone are either uneven or conchoidal. Despite its softness, it is also brittle.
Care
Several ways have been greatly recommended to clean the dumortierite gemstone. One, the stone can be placed under running water. The smudging process should then follow to cleanse the rock from all the negative energy.
The stone can also be cleaned by placing it in a bowl filled with quartz for approximately one day. As the dumortierite is hard, ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used. Warm, soapy water could also be used, but a cloth should not be used to dry it. It should be let to air dry and then stored separately from other gemstones as it may scratch the soft ones or get scratched by the hard ones.
Sodalite, on the other hand, is easily cleaned as only warm soapy water is required. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided. Sodalite should not be exposed to high heat, chemicals, and pressure as it is a soft and brittle rock. After cleaning, this gemstone should be wrapped with a piece of cloth to minimize fractures and scratches.
location
Dumortierite is currently found in Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, Russia, Peru, Norway, and Nevada. Today the significant sources of sodalite are Golden, British Colombia, and Namibia.
Uses
Meditation
The two gemstones can calm down emotions and thus are used during meditation. At this time, the gemstones are held close to you to maximize their healing abilities. They also enhance spiritual growth.
The two gemstones open up your mind for you to get to higher levels of consciousness and figure out what you want to do with yourself or what is best for you. At this moment, sodalite stimulates mental clarity enabling you to have a peaceful meditation practice.
Also read: Full Guide To Iolite vs. Tanzanite (This is the Difference)
Home and office
Dumortierite is considered a rock of good luck. Therefore, if it is placed in the office or at home, it will ensure that you prosper in all the activities you get involved in. it also boosts your self-confidence by improving your language and communication skills. At work, this gemstone enables you to maintain your focus until the ultimate goal is achieved.
Properties
Dumortierite is a potent stone with healing energies even for illness within the body. It helps you to overcome headaches, cramps, dizziness, and nausea. It also heals skin diseases and sunburns.
It also has some metaphysical healing properties which can help to overcome many challenges faced in life. It can help you develop psychic abilities enabling you to remember your dreams and channel connections.
This gemstone also raises your intellectual capacity making you wiser and more knowledgeable. It takes away shyness and improves your self-confidence. It also helps your emotions to be stable. Sodalite and dumortierites can be combined to work on calming the mind.
The sodalite stimulates the urge to be truthful and self-trust. It also helps you to improve your self-esteem. This gemstone is believed to be involved in balancing the metabolism and helps your body’s immune system overcome calcium deficiencies. When placed under the pillow, this gemstone could help you to have a deep rest and thus overcome insomnia.
Also read: Full Guide To Blue Aragonite vs. Caribbean Calcite (This is the Difference)
Chakra Association
The two gemstones are associated with the throat chakra and the third eye chakra, both dumortierites and sodalite are great gemstones which help you to focus, maintain an emotional balance, and enhance mental clarity. By so doing, these rocks ensure that the third eye chakra is not blocked.
Moreover, these gemstones provide healing to the third eye chakra, which is sometimes frustrated due to failed accomplishments and negative attitudes. These two gemstones improve your communication skills as they are connected to communication. This chakra is mainly concerned with honesty and creativity.
Zodiac Association
Dumortierite is not a birthstone, but it is associated with zodiac signs which are Libra, Taurus, and Leo. People born under the Libra sign are courageous and can speak their minds without fear.
The people who are born under the Leo sign are usually dominating and commanding. This gemstone controls your nature and transforms you into an optimistic person. Taurus attracts success, and thus people born under this sign are usually very successful.
They are also very calm no matter the situation. Sodalite, on the other hand, has two zodiac signs, Virgo and Sagittarius. The Sagittarius character is believed to help improve communication.
Element Association
Dumortierites and sodalite share elements as they are both associated with water and air. They are symbolized by a strong wind that blows away dust particles or cobwebs, enhancing simplicity and clarity.
In the same way, these gemstones help to clear your mind taking away all your worries and fears so that your brain is no longer concerned by unnecessary thoughts. It also makes you confident about what is right and wrong. All these properties of these gemstones are a result of their association with water and air.
Ruling Planet
Venus is the ruling planet of dumortierite. She is believed to be the queen of all beauty and love. It gives you joy and happiness. This energy given by Venus is reflected in this gemstone, especially during meditation. However, sodalite is governed by the moon and is also associated with the planet Neptune. The moon is associated with our emotions, while Neptune governs our spirituality.
Numerical Vibration
Both gemstones have a numerical vibration at the number 4. These vibrations aid in the healing properties of these gemstones. For example, they stimulate emotions to calm, enhancing an ideal meditation space. They also enable you to boost self-confidence, which changes a significant part of life as it enables you to do activities you would not do before.
Also read: Full Guide To Lapis Lazuli vs. Sapphire (This Is The Difference)
Best Combination
Dumortierite can be paired with clear quartz to cleanse it and ensure that its healing properties remain strong. It can also be paired with amethyst gemstone to overcome powerful temperamental energies and help to cool emotions.
This gemstone can also be combined with jasper or rainforest to fight against any addictions. Sodalite can be combined with citrine gemstone to stimulate the third eye chakra. It can also be paired with a moonstone to enhance excellent and honest communication.
Citrine and sodalite can also be combined to help you stay in the present as sodalite calms emotions while citrine gives you vibrant energy, and thus you ate able to think over critically and slowly.
