Rare Sodalite UV Reactive Fluorescent Crystal Mineral Specimen from Afghanistan with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

100% Genuine Sodalite UV Reactive Crystal

This listing is for a rare Sodalite UV reactive fluorescent crystal specimen from the mineral-rich regions of Afghanistan. Sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid group, prized for its deep blue colour and unique fluorescent properties under ultraviolet light. This specimen demonstrates both its natural beauty under normal light and its vivid fluorescence when exposed to UV light, making it highly desirable for collectors. The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive, displayed with a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Each piece is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Origin – Sodalite from Afghanistan

Afghanistan is renowned worldwide for producing high-quality gemstone and mineral specimens, including Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, Kunzite, and Sodalite. The Sodalite deposits occur in contact metamorphic zones and nepheline syenites, where silica-poor, alkali-rich igneous rocks formed under high-temperature conditions. These environments provide the perfect chemistry for the crystallisation of Sodalite, resulting in well-formed crystals and specimens with exceptional colour and fluorescence.

Mineralogical Characteristics of Sodalite

• Mineral Group: Feldspathoid group
• Chemical Formula: Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂
• Crystal System: Isometric
• Crystal Habit: Typically massive or granular, occasionally forming dodecahedral crystals
• Colour: Usually deep blue, but can also show shades of grey, green, yellow, or white
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent with vitreous luster
• Hardness: 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale
• Special Feature: UV reactivity – Sodalite fluoresces bright orange to pinkish-red under UV light due to the presence of sulphur-bearing compounds within its crystal structure

Fluorescent Properties

One of the most striking features of Sodalite is its fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This effect, sometimes referred to as “Hackmanite effect” when associated with colour-change varieties, is caused by trace elements and structural properties within the mineral. Under normal light, this specimen displays its classic deep blue hues, while under UV light it glows with a vivid, fiery orange or pinkish-red fluorescence, making it a spectacular addition to any fluorescent mineral collection.

Collector and Display Value

Sodalite specimens that are both visually attractive under daylight and strongly reactive under UV light are particularly prized by collectors. Their dual nature makes them not only scientifically interesting but also visually dynamic in display. For educational collections, they demonstrate mineral fluorescence beautifully. For private collections, they are a striking reminder of the hidden beauty within Earth’s minerals.

Why This Specimen is Exceptional

• Rare UV reactive Sodalite crystal from Afghanistan
• Exhibits vivid orange to pinkish-red fluorescence under UV light
• Displays the classic blue colouring with vitreous luster under daylight
• From a globally recognised region for fine mineral specimens
• Moderate hardness (5.5–6) ensures good durability for handling and display
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen photographed – no substitutes

This UV reactive fluorescent Sodalite crystal specimen from Afghanistan is a rare and captivating mineral, offering both scientific importance and striking visual appeal under different lighting conditions.