Arkalite: Arkansas’s Glowing Treasure

What Is Arkalite?

Arkalite is the trade name for sodalite syenite, a coarse-grained igneous rock rich in feldspar and sodalite. Unlike granite, syenite contains little to no quartz, giving it a unique mineral balance. The sodalite component is what makes Arkalite remarkable—it fluoresces under ultraviolet light, producing a fiery glow that captivates collectors and jewelry artists.

Global Occurrences of Sodalite Syenite

• Ontario, Canada – Large alkaline complexes are the source of sodalite-rich syenite cobbles transported south by glaciers.
• Norway (Larvikite) – Famous for its shimmering feldspar, a related feldspathoid syenite.
• Egypt (Syene) – Historical syenite quarries gave the rock its name.
• Michigan, USA – The Upper Peninsula is home to Yooperlite, a trademarked sodalite syenite variety.

Arkalite vs. Yooperlite

Arkalite and Yooperlite are geologically similar:

• Both are sodalite-bearing syenites.
• Both fluoresce bright orange to yellow-orange under long-wave UV light.
• Yooperlite is trademarked and sourced from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, while Arkalite represents Arkansas’s local sodalite syenite.

This makes Arkalite a regional counterpart to Yooperlite, offering collectors and jewelers a comparable glowing stone with its own Arkansas identity.

Chemistry & Physical Properties

• Composition: Alkali feldspar, sodalite, nepheline, amphibole, pyroxene, and accessory minerals.
• Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6, making it moderately durable for lapidary work.
• Specific Gravity: ~2.6–2.7.
• Fluorescence: Bright orange/yellow under long-wave UV light (~365 nm).
• Appearance: Gray to speckled in daylight; glowing patches under UV.

Metaphysical Properties ✨

Collectors and crystal enthusiasts attribute metaphysical qualities to Arkalite:

• Illumination & Insight: Its UV glow symbolizes hidden truths revealed under new perspectives.
• Communication: Sodalite is linked to clarity of thought and expression.
• Grounding Energy: The feldspar matrix balances the stone’s fiery glow with stability.

Arkalite is often used in meditation, energy work, or as a conversation piece in jewelry.

Lapidary Processes

For lapidarists, Arkalite offers both challenges and rewards:

• Cutting & Shaping: With a hardness of 5.5–6, it can be cabbed or carved but requires careful handling to avoid fractures.
• Polishing: Achieves a subvitreous to dull luster; polishing compounds like cerium oxide can enhance its surface.
• UV Display: Finished cabochons or specimens are best showcased with UV lighting to highlight fluorescence.
• Jewelry Use: Ideal for pendants, statement pieces, and metaphysical collections.

Why Arkalite Matters

Arkalite connects Arkansas’s mineral heritage to a broader geological story. Just as Yooperlite has become a cultural phenomenon in Michigan, Arkalite offers a local, ethically sourced alternative with the same glowing magic. For jewelers, collectors, and metaphysical practitioners, it’s a stone that bridges science, artistry, and spirit.

Bring Arkalite Into Your Collection 🌟

Ready to experience the glow of Arkansas’s own sodalite syenite? Whether you’re a jewelry artist, collector, or crystal enthusiast, Arkalite offers a unique combination of beauty, rarity, and metaphysical energy.

👉 Explore our curated Arkalite Collection 

Each piece is ethically sourced and cut with care, ensuring you receive stones that honor both craftsmanship and Arkansas’s mineral heritage. Don’t miss the chance to add this glowing treasure to your designs or personal collection.