Namibian Sodalite Egg - 68mm, 210g
Regular price
£25.99
Sale
Locality - Namibia
Size – 68 x 49mm
Weight – 210g
Size – 68 x 49mm
Weight – 210g
This Namibian sodalite egg displays deep royal blue colour in large patches throughout the piece with highly contrasting marble white tones and fern grey vein patterns. It has been nicely polished to a high luster and perfectly shaped. This egg will be sent accompanied with a wooden display stand like the one photographed.
About Sodalite
Sodalite is named after its sodium content and is well-known for its deep blue colouration, although it can also be grey, yellow, green or pink. Blue sodalite is the most highly prized variety and is often used in jewelry.
Sodalite is found in many localities around the world, usually in very small deposits. The most impressive, translucent sodalite, forming in well-defined crystals rather than as veins in rocks can be found exclusively in Nambia and the lavas of Mt. Vesuvius in Italy.
Another notable feature note is that most sodalite will fluoresce orange under ultraviolet light.
Sodalite is found in many localities around the world, usually in very small deposits. The most impressive, translucent sodalite, forming in well-defined crystals rather than as veins in rocks can be found exclusively in Nambia and the lavas of Mt. Vesuvius in Italy.
Another notable feature note is that most sodalite will fluoresce orange under ultraviolet light.
Sodalite in History
The use of sodalite by mankind dates back for many millennia. It was traded by the Norte Chico civilization 5500 years ago, with specimens found in the city of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, situated in modern Peru. Although little is known about the use of the stone, its blue colouration would have been rare in the region and therefore highly prized.