IdentificationLapis LazuliSodalite

Full Guide To Lapis Lazuli vs. Sodalite (This is the Difference)

n order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as lapis lazuli 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: Blue Aventurine vs. Sodalite: This Is The Difference

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Lapis Lazuli 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.

Strawberry quartz is confused with rose quartz mainly because of its color and other properties they have in common.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of these stones is one of the two main distinguishing features. Lapis lazuli is made of pyrite, calcite, and lazurite. On the other hand, sodalite is a feldspathoid made of potassium, sodium, and calcium. 

Color 

One of the easiest ways to tell the two stones apart is by color. Lapis lazuli is an intense blue stone with bright golden flecks. It’s also available in a variety of blue shades. Sodalite comes in a lighter blue shade with white veining. The golden flecks found on the lapis lazuli result from the pyrite content in the stone’s composition. In its raw form, the golden freckles may not be very visible. The calcite in the chemical composition of the stones is responsible for the white veins, especially on the sodalite. 

Also read: Lapis Lazuli vs Sapphire: This Is The Difference

Pattern and Clarity

Both stones lack transparency. Lapis lazuli is generally an opaque stone, while sodalite can be translucent. The stones also have a patterned surface. Lapis lazuli exhibits golden freckles on a blue surface, while sodalite displays white veining on a light blue surface. An authentic lapis lazuli will show uniformity in pattern and color throughout the stone. The white streaks found on a lapis lazuli due to the calcite content in the stone are imperfect. Any genuine sodalite will also contain white streaks as a result of calcite. The streaks appear in a granular structure on a lapis lazuli, but show uniformity on a sodalite stone. 

Hardness

Being a combination of several minerals, lapis lazuli lacks a uniform hardness. The stone will range from 3 to 6.5, while sodalite ranges from 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. 

Care 

Lapis lazuli and sodalite can be cleaned using warm water, a soft cloth, and mild detergent. Testing is required to ascertain whether the lapis lazuli has undergone any dye treatments before cleaning it with water. The stone can also be smoke cleansed or recharged by moonlight, selenite, and clear quartz crystals.

Sodalite is a tougher stone compared to the lapis lazuli, but is quite susceptible to scratches and damage. It does not do well with acids, bleach, high temperatures, and pressure. The stone can be cleansed and recharged using direct moonlight. Sunlight and quartz crystals are other effective ways to recharge and restore balance to your sodalite stone. 

Location 

Lapis lazuli was found initially in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Today the stone is found in Myanmar, Chile, and Afghanistan. Sodalite was initially found in Greenland but is now in Namibia, Canada, and South America. 

Uses 

Meditation

Lapis lazuli and sodalite are perfect additions for inner peace ad contentment during meditation practices. The pair is held to activate deeper spiritual connections and communication with higher realms. 

Jewelry 

Jewelry pieces from either stone are worn to make the most of the stone’s abilities. Both stones can be worn to affect energies on the third eye and throat chakras. 

Properties 

Lapis lazuli and sodalite have almost similar spiritual abilities. Lapis lazuli is perfect for serenity, relaxation, and stress relief. It’s also used to connect to spiritual guides and astral travel. The stone can also be used to heighten spiritual consciousness and wisdom. The stone can also help us explore our possibilities and improve self-awareness. The stone is believed to benefit the respiratory and nervous systems of the physical body. Its energies are believed to soothe inflammation, boost the body’s immunity, purify the blood, and cleanse body organs. 

Sodalite is also associated with peace and serenity. It’s also an excellent stone to overcome feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Its association with the throat chakra helps with both written, verbal and general improvement in communication skills. The stone can also alleviate panic attacks and mood swings by restoring emotional balance. It also increases intuitive abilities, spiritual growth, and connection to a higher self. 

Chakra Association 

The stones work for the same chakras. Both resonate well with the third eye and throat chakras. Their energies and frequencies align and remove energy blockages from these two energy points.

The third eye chakra(Ajna) is located at the center of the forehead. It is the chakra that serves as the portal to the spiritual realms. The chakra governs our knowledge, intuition, and psychic abilities. When either of the stones is used within this chakra, it will activate the 6th sense, allowing for spiritual connections and guidance. 

The throat chakra(Vishuddha) is located at the base of the throat. It is the chakra responsible for communication and self-expression. When balanced, we can articulate our true feelings and emotions. Misalignment will lead to fear and trouble opening up.

Using these two stones brings harmony to the Vishuddha and Ajna. This cultivates clarity and psychic protection. The pair also encourages truth and better expression. 

Chakra

Also read: What Chakra Is Lapis Lazuli? (Full Guide)

Zodiac Association

Lapis Lazuli is the traditional birthstone for December and the 7th and 9th wedding anniversary gemstone. It is also an alternative zodiac stone for people born in January. The stone will therefore resonate best with people under the Sagittarius and Capricorn zodiac banner. The stone will not only influence the behavior of a Capricorn, but also strengthen its inner power and awareness and improve its intuition. The stone also has a profound effect on Sagittarius. It brings the zodiac good fortune and success. It also helps them get over negativity and strengthens their awareness.

Sodalite is among the modern birthstones for Sagittarius. Its energies are believed to benefit the zodiac the most. It fuels the sign’s passion for adventure and strong will. It also stimulates the throat chakra and balances out the personality traits of a Sagittarius. The sign is known to not suppress their opinions and thoughts. 

Also read: The Complete Guide To Lapis Lazuli And The Zodiac Signs

Element Association

Lapis lazuli is a water element crystal. The water element signifies clarity, fertility, change, healing, and rebirth. Water is essential for the existence of both humans and animals. Its flowing nature has for a long time across cultures and religions been perceived as an agent of transformation and a symbol of purity. Water is associated with Venus and resonates with Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio zodiac signs. This element resides within the sacral chakra(Svadihsthana) and governs the soul. Stones and crystals of this element are used to bring peace and alleviate depressive thoughts.

On the other hand, sodalite is connected to the water and air elements. The air element represents knowledge, communication, strategy, and creativity. The element is life itself to all living creatures. It’s an element that can be felt all around us. It is a masculine energy that is portrayed as white or gray. Furthermore, it is also associated with Jupiter, Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra zodiac signs. This element resides within the throat(Vishuddha) and heart(Anahata) chakras and governs the mind. Crystals and stones associated with the element are best used to improve communication. 

Ruling Planet

Jupiter governs Lapis lazuli. Jupiter is also referred to as the messenger, which makes any stone or crystals associated with it perfect for affirmations and chants. Spiritually, the planet is associated with expansion, growth, happiness, and wealth. Its energies are also compassionate, hopeful, and optimistic. A strong Jupiter will guide you towards success, good fortune, and progress in all aspects of your life. On the contrary, a malefic Jupiter will bring doom and misery. 

The moon governs sodalite. The moon as a ruling planet brings protection and governs the mind, wealth, peace, and happiness. The moon will represent our innermost feelings, sentiments, and spiritual nature. It governs that which influences our response and actions. Obsessions, anxiety, and fear are also associated with the moon. The strong placement of the moon in the birth chart impacts feelings, actions, and bonds in relationships. Stones and crystals associated with the moon can improve the articulation of your feelings and better communication of one’s feelings. 

Numerical Vibration

Lapis lazuli vibrates at the frequencies of 3. Jupiter governs the number, and its energies are best suited for fun, joy, and laughter. The number in numerology represents optimism, curiosity, and communication. People associated with the number are fun-loving, adventurous, creative, and risk-takers. The association with Jupiter brings good fortune, wisdom, and abundance. Stones and crystals of this vibration can be used to manifest wealth and abundance. 

Sodalite, on the other hand, vibrates at 4. The number represents harmony, responsibility, hard work, groundedness, and reliance on routine. The number encourages perseverance and working steadily towards a set goal. Number 4 can be regarded as a good number because we find the power to create and gear our lives towards a positive path. Its energies are also vital in the manifestation of our creative abilities. They also unlock the psychic and spiritual realm avenues. Stones and crystals of this frequency can achieve honesty and discipline. 

Best Combinations

Lapis lazuli is paired with turquoise or any other stone affiliated with the throat chakra to improve communication by releasing suppressed frustration and anger. These two will also help with mood swings, mental clarity, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. 

Lapis lazuli can also be paired with emeralds to improve the status of a relationship. The lapis lazuli activates the throat chakra, while the emeralds work closely with the heart chakra. The pair will encourage compassion, forgiveness, and communication, helping nurture and strengthen the relationship.

Sodalite pairs beautifully with amethyst to enhance spiritual abilities. The pair also awakens the mind and soul, allowing for a deeper connection with the divine and spiritual growth.

Sodalite is also paired with clear quartz for the third eye chakra. The pair will amplify each other’s abilities to improve the connections and communication with our spirit guides.

Neat Crystal

I am a Crystal & Gem Specialist with 20 years experience collecting and analyzing crystals and gems. My main focus is on crystal and gem abilities to influence our human experience through energy caused by visual and physical properties of each. I also love to dive into the formation, chemical makeup, and rare impurities found within crystals - a Geologist in training. I started Neat Crystal as a place to jot down my thoughts, notes, and share my knowledge to help others.

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