Beginner Rock Tip: Sodalite vs Lapis Lazuli — How to Tell the Difference These two stones get mixed up all the time, especially when you’re starting out. At first glance they can both show rich blues — but there are clues. Sodalite (left) Think blue with clouds. Look for: • Royal to denim blue tones • White or gray veining • Soft, cloudy patterns • Usually little to no metallic flecks Sodalite often has a calmer, softer look. Lapis Lazuli (right) Think blue with gold. Look for: • Deep rich blue color • Gold-colored pyrite flecks (tiny sparkles) • Sometimes white calcite streaks • Often a more dramatic, luxurious appearance Those gold flecks are often your first giveaway. Easy Beginner Trick: Blue + white = check for Sodalite Blue + gold pyrite = check for Lapis My take on these pieces: The first pendant shows classic Sodalite character with white marbling. The second looks much more like Lapis Lazuli because of the visible pyrite. And here’s the fun part — nature doesn’t always read textbooks. Some material can blur the lines, which is why observation matters. Study pattern. Study inclusions. Study sparkle. The stone always tells a story. Drop a photo below if you have a blue stone you want help identifying. #Sodalite #LapisLazuli #RockhoundingForBeginners #MineralIdentification #Lapidary #Gemstones #FieldClassroom #SkoolCommunity

Little test of the week what type of agate are we looking at. Most of these types are mined in Chihuahua, Mexico, ❓️ These are highly sought after by collectors, lapidary artists, and crystal enthusiasts for its, "crazy" banded patterns and there vivid color.

Took some time down by the river to go over a couple pieces that mean a lot to me.🌊 We picked up these thunder eggs at a rock show in Creston, BC, and I wanted to bring them out into nature and really take a look at them.🌎 The second piece is something different… This golden-yellow to honey-brown plume agate was dug up by me and my brother in Vernon, BC. Straight from the dirt. He turned it into a clean wire-wrapped pendant.📿 This is what I’m about in this community— Not just rocks… but the story behind them, where they come from, and what you can turn them into More coming soon:👈

Me and my brother robert hunting for crystals. Mybe one day we can do live dig days.🪏

See are full Youtube video 👇 This is one of my wildest prospecting trips in years.⛏️ found some beautiful gems and crystals as well as being stranded stuck in the mud in my van. got to love spring time in BC canada. 🚐 if you're into extra content this will be the video for you. happy Friday to all.👍