Anglesite: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Introduction

Anglesite is a lead sulphate mineral with the chemical formula PbSO₄. This guide covers anglesite's properties, meanings, value, uses, and safety considerations for collectors, gem enthusiasts, and mineralogists. Understanding anglesite is important due to its rarity, scientific significance, and value to collectors. Anglesite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is recognized for its striking appearance, scientific importance, and role as a rare collector gemstone. As a secondary mineral, anglesite forms by the oxidation of galena (PbS) and is often found in association with galena and other lead minerals. Its unique properties and formation process make it a key indicator in mining districts and a prized specimen for mineralogists and collectors alike.

Summary: What Is Anglesite and Why Does It Matter?

Anglesite is a lead sulphate mineral with the chemical formula PbSO₄, primarily valued as a collector's mineral due to its high brilliance and dispersion. High-quality transparent anglesite crystals are prized by museums and private collectors, and they are sometimes used as a rare gemstone. Anglesite is also mined as a lead ore in some locations, particularly in Australia and Mexico, where it contributes to the production of lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, and specialized glass. However, due to its high lead content, anglesite is regarded as potentially hazardous to health, and proper safety precautions are essential when handling or displaying specimens.

Quick Facts about Anglesite

Anglesite is a striking secondary mineral that forms when lead ore oxidizes in the upper reaches of ore deposits. Anglesite is a lead sulphate mineral with the chemical formula PbSO₄. It typically forms as a secondary mineral through the oxidation of galena (PbS), the primary lead sulphide ore, and is often found in association with galena and other lead minerals. Recognized as an important ore of lead and occasionally cut as a rare collector gemstone, this mineral combines scientific significance with undeniable visual appeal.

Anglesite occurs as prismatic orthorhombic crystals and earthy masses, displaying a remarkable variety of crystal forms and habits. This diversity in appearance makes it a notable mineral for collectors and mineralogists.

At its core, anglesite is lead sulphate with the formula PbSO₄. It typically forms through the oxidation of galena (PbS) — the primary lead sulphide ore — in environments where oxygen-rich waters interact with lead-bearing lodes near the Earth’s surface. This transformation process has made anglesite a key indicator of supergene alteration in mining districts worldwide.

The mineral was first recognized as a mineral species by William Withering in 1783 at the Parys copper mine in Anglesey, Wales, and was later formally named in 1832. This historical connection to early European mining and mineralogy gives anglesite a special place in the study of lead minerals.

The name "anglesite" is used in mineral classification to distinguish it from other lead minerals, and it is sometimes referred to by synonyms such as "lead sulphate" or regional trade names. The use of specific names helps to classify, describe, and differentiate anglesite from similar minerals.

Here are the essential facts at a glance:

• Chemical Formula: PbSO₄ (lead sulphate; contains a high lead content, typically around 74% by mass)

• Crystal System: Orthorhombic (Anglesite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system.)

• Hardness: 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale

• Specific Gravity: 6.30–6.39 g/cm³ (exceptionally heavy)

• Colour: Typically colourless to white, often yellow, gray, green, or blue

• Lustre: Adamantine to vitreous (diamond-like brilliance)

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Type Locality: Parys Mountain, Anglesey, Wales, UK

Safety Note: Anglesite contains a high lead content (approximately 68% lead by weight). Always wash your hands after handling specimens, avoid creating dust, and keep samples away from children and pets.

Anglesite Uses

Industrial Uses

Anglesite's high lead content makes it valuable as a secondary lead ore in mining operations, especially in oxidized zones where it occurs alongside galena and cerussite. Lead extracted from anglesite is essential in manufacturing lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding materials, specialized glass, and various alloys.

Collector Uses

While anglesite's brilliant adamantine lustre and strong dispersion make it visually appealing, its softness and perfect cleavage limit its use as a gemstone. It is rarely cut for jewelry due to its fragility and toxicity concerns. Instead, it is prized mainly by collectors as a display specimen or rare collector's gem.

Understanding these uses highlights why anglesite is both an industrially significant mineral and a sought-after collector's item. Next, let's explore the detailed specifications and characteristics that make anglesite unique.

Anglesite Specifications & Characteristics

Crystal Structure

Anglesite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, forming thick tabular, prismatic, or dipyramidal crystals. It can also occur in granular and nodular forms, and a variety of crystal habits have been observed, including massive, stalactitic, and compact morphologies.

Hardness and Cleavage

• Hardness: 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale (quite soft and susceptible to scratching)

• Cleavage: Perfect cleavage on the basal plane (001), less developed than in isomorphous minerals like barite and celestite, and distinct cleavage on other planes, contributing to its brittleness

• Tenacity: Brittle

• Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Optical Properties

• Lustre: Adamantine to vitreous, giving fresh crystals a diamond-like brilliance

• Colour: Colourless, white, gray, yellow, green, blue, with occasional rare violet hues

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Refractive Indices: nα ≈ 1.878, nβ ≈ 1.883, nγ ≈ 1.895

• Birefringence: δ ≈ 0.017

• Optical Character: Biaxial positive (+)

• Specific Gravity: 6.30–6.39 g/cm³, reflecting its high lead content

Anglesite may contain impurities such as barium (Ba) and copper (Cu), which can affect its physical properties.

Understanding these characteristics helps explain why anglesite is valued by collectors and how it is used in various applications, which we explore in the next section.

Physical & Optical Properties

Physical Properties

The specific gravity deserves special attention — at approximately 6.3–6.4 g/cm³, anglesite is among the densest common minerals. For comparison, quartz measures about 2.65 g/cm³ and even barite reaches only about 4.5 g/cm³. Picking up an anglesite specimen immediately reveals this exceptional heft. When testing a sample for properties such as specific gravity or hardness, impurities and the sample's composition can influence the results.

Appearance

• Colour: Colourless to white is most common, but gray, yellow, green, and blue varieties are found; rare specimens show violet tints

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent, occasionally opaque in massive, granular, nodular, or inclusion-rich material

• Lustre: Adamantine (diamond-like) to vitreous, sometimes resinous on weathered surfaces

• Crystal forms: Anglesite can occur as prismatic, tabular, granular, and nodular crystals, with a variety of crystal habits observed

Anglesite exhibits a wide variety of crystal habits and forms, ranging from well-formed prismatic crystals to granular, nodular, and massive appearances.

Fresh crystal faces display the brilliant adamantine lustre that makes anglesite so attractive to collectors. Under strong lighting, quality crystals can rival the brilliance of much harder gemstones.

Optical Properties

• Optical Character: Biaxial positive (+)

• Refractive Indices: nα ≈ 1.878, nβ ≈ 1.883, nγ ≈ 1.895

• Birefringence: δ ≈ 0.017

• 2V Angle: ~70–75° (measured varies from calculated ~68°)

• Dispersion: Relatively strong

A sample of anglesite, when observed under polarized light or in thin section, displays moderate relief and interference colours consistent with its birefringence. These optical properties are observed during sample rotation, aiding identification when studying ore samples petrographically.

With these physical and optical properties in mind, let's now examine anglesite's unique qualities as a gemstone.

Anglesite Gemstone Properties

Color

Anglesite gemstones typically range from colourless to pale yellow, with occasional green or blue tints. The colour variations result from trace impurities and formation environments.

Cut & Luster

Due to its softness and perfect cleavage, anglesite is seldom cut into gemstones. When faceted, it displays an adamantine to vitreous lustre, offering remarkable brilliance and fire.

Clarity & Transparency

High-quality anglesite crystals can be transparent to translucent, often featuring internal zoning or minor inclusions such as remnants of galena.

Carat Weight & Size

Faceted anglesite gems are generally small, typically under a few carats, because large, flawless crystals suitable for cutting are rare, similar to other rare collector's minerals such as albite.

Treatments

No common treatments are applied to anglesite gemstones, as their softness and fragility limit their use in jewelry.

Now that we've explored the gemstone properties of anglesite, let's delve into its discovery, naming, and historical significance.

Anglesite Healing Properties

Physical Healing

In crystal healing traditions, anglesite is believed to aid detoxification and support the skeletal system due to its lead content and mineral energy. However, given its toxicity, physical contact should be limited and handled cautiously.

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, anglesite is thought to promote calmness, patience, and clarity, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It is valued for its ability to encourage emotional balance and enhance communication.

Anglesite Discovery, Name & History

Anglesite was first identified in 1783 at Parys Mountain on the island of Anglesey, Wales, during a period of intense mining activity. English mineralogist William Withering recognized it as a distinct mineral species, differentiating it from similar heavy white minerals like barite.

The name “anglesite” was formally introduced in 1832 by French mineralogist François Sulpice Beudant, directly referencing its type locality. The use of mineral names, such as "anglesite," plays a crucial role in mineral and gemstone identification, helping classify, describe, and differentiate this mineral from others with a similar appearance, such as barite or cerussite. Trade names and synonyms for anglesite have occasionally appeared in regional or historical contexts, but "anglesite" remains the accepted name in scientific literature. This naming convention — linking a mineral to its place of origin — was common practice in 19th-century mineralogy and gives us a permanent geographical connection to Wales. The significance of names in mineralogy extends beyond simple identification; they often reflect historical discoveries, regional traditions, and the evolution of mineral classification systems.

Since then, anglesite has been studied extensively, with classic specimens coming from European localities such as Freiberg, Germany, and Laurion, Greece, as well as from notable deposits worldwide.

The story of anglesite begins in the late 18th century during a period of intense mining activity in Great Britain. Parys Mountain on the island of Anglesey in Wales was one of the world’s most productive copper mining centres, and it was here that this distinctive lead mineral was first recognized as something special.

In 1783, miners and naturalists working the rich veins of Parys Mine began encountering heavy, pale crystals that initially puzzled them. The mineral’s unusual density and bright lustre set it apart from common gangue minerals, yet it was frequently confused with barite and other heavy white species that occur in similar settings.

English physician and mineralogist William Withering — perhaps better known for his work on digitalis — is credited with first recognizing anglesite as a distinct mineral species. His careful observations and chemical analyses helped separate it from the look-alikes that had confused earlier collectors.

The formal naming came later. In 1832, French mineralogist François Sulpice Beudant introduced the name “anglesite,” directly referencing the Anglesey locality where it was discovered. This naming convention — linking a mineral to its place of origin — was common practice in 19th-century mineralogy and gives us a permanent geographical connection to Wales. The use of specific mineral names, including trade names and historical synonyms, is essential for accurate classification and communication among mineralogists and collectors.

Key Historical Milestones:

Beyond Wales, other classic European districts contributed to early scientific understanding. The Freiberg district in Saxony, Germany, and the ancient silver-lead mines of Laurion in Greece both produced specimens that helped mineralogists refine their descriptions of this species. These reference localities remain important in museum collections today.

With this historical context, we can better appreciate the environments and processes that lead to the formation of anglesite, which we discuss next.

Formation, Geological Environment & Associations

Anglesite is a classic secondary supergene mineral — it forms not from primary magmatic or hydrothermal processes, but through the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing lead minerals near the Earth’s surface. Anglesite commonly occurs in cavities within galena-rich ores, where it forms as a result of the oxidation of galena. It typically appears as isolated crystals in lead-bearing lodes. Anglesite is often found in the first oxidation zone of mining sites, being more common there than in deeper parts.

How Anglesite Forms

The formation process begins with galena (PbS), the primary lead ore. When galena is exposed to oxygenated groundwater in the upper portions of ore deposits, a chemical transformation occurs:

PbS + 2O₂ → PbSO₄

This oxidation reaction converts lead sulphide to lead sulphate, producing anglesite. The process is most active in the supergene zone — the region between the water table and the surface where oxygen is readily available.

Mining Locations

Anglesite forms primarily as a secondary mineral through the oxidation of galena in the supergene zone of lead-bearing lodes. It is commonly found in oxidized hydrothermal veins, carbonate-hosted lead-zinc deposits, and gossans.

Notable localities include:

• Parys Mountain, Anglesey, Wales (type locality)

• Tsumeb Mine, Namibia – known for large, gem-quality crystals

• Touissit–Bou Beker, Morocco – produces striking yellow crystals

• Broken Hill, Australia, is a significant source of secondary lead minerals

• Freiberg, Germany; Laurion, Greece; Leadhills, Scotland; and various locations in the USA

World-Class Examples

Certain deposits have produced exceptional anglesite due to deep, sustained oxidation:

• Tsumeb, Namibia — renowned for sharp, gemmy crystals

• Broken Hill, Australia — massive ore body with outstanding secondary minerals

• Laurion, Greece — ancient mines with classic European specimens

The paragenesis at these localities has been studied extensively. At Tsumeb, for example, researchers have documented that anglesite is more abundant in early-oxidation zones and in certain “Type II” assemblages described by Keller.

With an understanding of where and how anglesite forms, let's look at the most notable localities and specimens prized by collectors.

Notable Localities & Collectors’ Specimens

Anglesite is found worldwide wherever lead deposits have undergone oxidation, but only a handful of localities have produced the exceptional crystals that collectors seek.

Classic European Localities

Parys Mountain, Anglesey, Wales (UK) — The type locality remains historically important, though specimen production has long since ceased. Early crystals from here established the scientific description of the species.

Leadhills–Wanlockhead, Scotland — These historic Scottish lead mining villages produced fine specimens during their active years, contributing to our understanding of British lead mineralogy.

Freiberg District, Saxony, Germany — A reference locality for many ore minerals, including well-crystallized anglesite from the oxidized portions of silver-lead veins.

Laurion, Greece — The ancient silver mines near Athens yielded anglesite specimens that entered early European collections and remain prized by historians of mineralogy.

African Treasures

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia — Perhaps the premier source of collector-quality anglesite worldwide. Tsumeb produced sharply formed, often yellow crystals of exceptional clarity, including large tabular specimens and complex epitaxial growths on galena matrix. Some crystals reached several centimetres across with remarkable transparency.

Touissit–Bou Beker, Morocco — Modern Moroccan deposits continue to produce fine specimens, including large transparent crystals and striking pseudomorphs, which regularly enter the collector market.

Other Important Sources

With a sense of where the finest anglesite specimens are found, let's consider their value and what makes them so desirable to collectors.

Anglesite Price & Value

Anglesite’s value as a gemstone is limited due to its softness, fragility, and toxicity. Collector specimens, especially large, well-formed crystals from famous localities, command higher prices. Faceted stones are rare and sought after by niche collectors but are generally not used in mainstream jewelry.

Now, let's explore the unique appeal and challenges of anglesite as a gemstone.

Anglesite as a Gemstone

Despite its visual appeal, anglesite occupies an unusual niche in the gem world — beautiful but impractical for conventional jewellery.

The Appeal

Faceted anglesite can be genuinely stunning. Its high refractive indices (approaching 1.9) and strong dispersion produce excellent brilliance and noticeable fire. The adamantine lustre rivals that of diamonds and other precious stones when properly cut and polished.

The exceptional density means that even small cut stones have satisfying heft — though this is more curiosity than advantage, and is best understood in the context of mineralogy.

The Challenges

Unfortunately, several factors make anglesite unsuitable for everyday wear:

• Low hardness (2.5–3) — softer than a fingernail; scratches easily

• Perfect cleavage — prone to chipping and splitting

• Brittleness — vulnerable to mechanical shock

• Lead content — prolonged skin contact raises safety concerns

• Sensitivity — reacts poorly to heat, pressure, and acids

Most faceted pieces are small — typically under a few carats — cut from transparent crystals sourced primarily from Tsumeb or Broken Hill.

Collector Gems Only

Pros:

• Exceptional brilliance and dispersion

• Rare and unusual

• Conversation piece for the dedicated collector

Cons:

• Too soft and fragile for rings or bracelets

• Lead toxicity concerns

• Easily damaged during cutting and setting

If you acquire a faceted anglesite gemstone, consider displaying it in a protective setting — perhaps a pendant that won’t receive daily wear, or simply as a display specimen. Rings and bracelets are poor choices given the mineral’s fragility.

Typical gem colours range from colourless to pale yellow, occasionally with greenish tints. Internal zoning and inclusions — sometimes including remnant galena — may affect appearance under different lighting conditions.

With these considerations in mind, it's essential to understand the health and safety aspects of handling anglesite.

Health, Safety & Handling

Understanding the Risk

Let’s be direct: anglesite is lead sulphate, and lead is toxic. Proper handling isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Intact crystals sitting undisturbed on a shelf pose minimal risk. The danger increases significantly when anglesite is:

• Ground, sawed, or polished (creating dust)

• Handled frequently without washing hands afterward

• Accessible to children or pets who might mouth specimens

• Stored improperly, where it can contaminate food preparation areas

Practical Safety Guidelines

DO:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any anglesite specimen

• Use wet cutting and polishing methods — never grind dry

• Work with proper ventilation and respiratory protection during lapidary work

• Store specimens in sealed display cases or containers

• Label specimens clearly as lead-bearing minerals

• Dispose of lapidary waste according to local environmental regulations

DON’T:

• Create dust by dry grinding, sawing, or polishing

• Clean specimens with strong acids (increases lead release)

• Store anglesite in damp, acidic conditions

• Use anglesite in crystal elixirs or any practice involving ingestion

• Allow children or pets unsupervised access to specimens

Regulatory Considerations

Lead minerals are considered hazardous waste when powdered. If you cut or polish anglesite, the resulting dust and slurry must be disposed of properly — not simply washed down the drain. Check your local environmental regulations for guidance.

For most collectors, the simple approach is best: enjoy anglesite as a display specimen, handle it occasionally with clean hands, and wash your hands afterward. With basic precautions, you can safely appreciate this remarkable mineral.

With safety in mind, let's look at the scientific and industrial significance of anglesite.

Scientific & Industrial Significance

Beyond its appeal to collectors, anglesite plays roles in economic geology, materials science, and environmental research. Anglesite is classified within the group of sulphate minerals (sulphates), specifically among those containing only large cations and no additional anions. This distinguishes anglesite from other sulphates that may contain additional anions such as chromates or molybdates. Anglesite is an example of a sulphate without additional anions.

In the mineralogy and crystallography subsection, studies on anglesite and related minerals, such as barite and gypsum, have been published in the American Mineralogist, providing authoritative research on their crystal structures. The importance of sulphate force constants is recognized in understanding the crystal structure and vibrational properties of anglesite and related minerals, as these constants reflect the bonding strength and stability within the mineral lattice. Synthetic anglesite is produced for geological research, supporting experimental studies and analytical advancements. In analytical techniques, both gypsum and anglesite can be identified using methods such as Raman spectroscopy, which is valuable for mineral identification and characterization.

As an Ore of Lead

Anglesite is economically important as a secondary lead ore, particularly in oxidized zones where it coexists with cerussite and residual galena. While primary galena remains the principal source of mined lead globally, anglesite can contribute meaningfully to ore grades where supergene enrichment has concentrated secondary minerals.

Lead extracted from such ores finds applications in:

• Lead–acid batteries — still the dominant use of refined lead

• Radiation shielding — in medical and nuclear facilities

• Specialized glass — particularly crystal glass and radiation-protective types

• Various alloys — including solders and bearing metals

Modern efforts focus increasingly on reducing lead exposure and recycling existing lead stocks, but primary production continues worldwide.

Research Applications

Anglesite attracts scientific interest in several fields:

Mineralogy and Crystallography — Studies of crystal structure, Raman spectra, and vibrational properties help constrain sulphate bonding behaviour and force constants. The mineral serves as a reference for understanding the broader barite structural group.

Environmental Geochemistry — Anglesite’s stability controls lead mobility in oxidizing environments. Understanding when it forms and when it dissolves helps predict lead contamination in mine wastes and contaminated soils. For information on striking gemstones with unique properties, see iolite gemstone information.

Materials Science — Synthetic lead sulphate phases related to anglesite are studied in battery technology, corrosion research, and ceramic applications.

Ore Deposit Geology — The presence and paragenesis of anglesite help reconstruct oxidation histories and fluid conditions in supergene profiles, aiding exploration and resource assessment. For example, agate is another mineral whose geological formation and types offer insights valuable for mineral identification and exploration.

Whether you’re drawn to anglesite for its scientific significance, its role in understanding lead ore deposits, or simply its rare beauty as a collector gemstone, this mineral offers something special for every enthusiast. Its combination of extreme density, brilliant lustre, and fascinating formation history makes it a worthy addition to any serious mineral collection — just remember to handle it with the care and respect that any lead-bearing specimen deserves.