Sodalite 10mm Round 15-16 Inch unique-rounds This variety of opal is

This variety of opal is named "dendritic" for the small inclusions within it that resemble moss or ferns

a microscopic protozoa with a silica shell

The blue color

and is a result of trace amounts of copper or chromium

or merlinite

Sodalite 10mm Round 15-16 Inch unique-rounds This variety of opal isSodalite is named for its sodium content and may be classified as a feldspathoid. Blue Sodalite is sometimes referred to as poor mans lapis because of its similar color and much lower cost. Queen Victorias granddaughter, Princess Patricia of Connaught, was inspired by the stone and chose it for the interior decorations of Marlborough House in England. This prompted an alternative name for the gemstone: Princess Blue.