3 syllables: So, da, lite. Stress on So.
SOH-duh-leyet
/ˈsoʊ.də.laɪt/
Sodalite is pronounced SOH-duh-leyet (/ˈsoʊ.də.laɪt/). It has three syllables (So-da-lite), with the stress on "So". Sodalite is a blue to blue-gray mineral used as a gemstone and ornamental stone. It forms in igneous rocks and is valued for its rich color and distinctive dark veining; in geology and Lapidary contexts, it’s studied for its crystal structure and matrix. Commonly cut for cabochons or beads, sodalite is also a useful mineral in mineralogical collections and educational displays.
nounSodalite is a blue to blue-gray mineral used as a gemstone and ornamental stone. It forms in igneous rocks and is valued for its rich color and distinctive dark veining; in geology and Lapidary contexts, it’s studied for its crystal structure and matrix. Commonly cut for cabochons or beads, sodalite is also a useful mineral in mineralogical collections and educational displays.
"The jeweler selected a deep blue sodalite cabochon for the pendant."
"Researchers compared sodalite crystals from different volcanic regions."
"She labeled the specimen as sodalite to distinguish it from lapis lazuli."
Pronounce as SOH-duh-lite with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US /ˈsoʊdəˌlaɪt/, UK /ˈsəʊdəlaɪt/, AU /ˈsɒdəlaɪt/. Start with a long O in the first syllable, then a schwa or a reduced 'du' sound, and end with the 'lite' as /laɪt/. Think of it as two open syllables leading into a light, crisp final: SOH-duh-LITE. Practice saying it slowly at first, then blend for natural flow.
Common errors include misplacing stress (soda-LITE instead of SO-dah-lite) and mispronouncing the middle syllable as a full 'duh' with a hard vowel. Another frequent slip is shortening or clustering the ending to /laɪt/ without a clear /d/ sound after the first syllable. Correct by emphasizing the first syllable with a light, quick second syllable, and ensure the /d/ is not skipped: SO-də-laɪt.
In US English the first syllable carries strong stress with a clear /oʊ/ diphthong. UK English tends toward a slightly more clipped /səʊ/ but still stresses the first syllable; the /d/ is clear, and the final /laɪt/ remains. Australian speakers typically maintain the same stress pattern as US/UK, but vowel qualities can be broader; you might hear a marginally shorter /ə/ in the middle syllable. Overall, rhotics don’t alter the word’s pronunciation significantly.
The challenge lies in the two-syllable structure with a vowel sequence that shifts from a long diphthong to a lighter mid vowel in the middle syllable and the final /laɪt/ cluster. The /ˈsoʊ/ or /ˈsəʊ/ onset can be tricky if you’re not used to varying /oʊ/ vs /əʊ/; the middle /də/ or /dɪ/ needs a quick, light touch before the final /laɪt/. Practice with slow syllable isolation to stabilize the transition and ensure the final sound is crisp.
A unique aspect is the clear, light /d/ sound linking the syllables, avoiding an intrusive or dropped /d/ in rapid speech. If you affect the /d/ too lightly, you lose the syllable boundary between the first and second syllable; if you overemphasize it, you sound forced. Aim for a precise, quick /d/ that keeps the flow intact and leads smoothly into the /laɪt/ ending.
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Sodalite derives from the chemical family name sodalite group (sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid mineral group). The term was coined in the 19th century from soda (sodium) and the suffix -lite, reflecting its aluminosilicate composition with sodic (sodium-rich) content. The word first appeared in mineralogical literature in the mid-1800s as researchers cataloged feldspathoid minerals discovered during igneous rock studies. Early descriptions emphasized its association with albite and lazurite-like coloration, though sodalite itself has a distinct crystal lattice and distinct hardness. Over time, sodalite became a standard mineralogical term used in geology textbooks, lab manuals, and gemology references, particularly noted for its intense blue varieties in lapidary contexts. The name also entered popular science writing as a colorful gemstone example, reinforcing its visibility in educational settings and collecting circles.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Sodalite" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Sodalite"
-ite sounds
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