Lead sulfate forming in the oxidation zone of galena-bearing deposits. Forms adamantine crystals of high density. Color: Colorless, white, yellowish, gray. Luster: Adamantine to vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Good in two directions. Hardness: 2.5-3. Transparency: Transparent to opaque. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: PbSO₄. Specific gravity: 6.30-6.39. Formation: Forms by oxidation of galena in the supergene zone of lead ore deposits. Common geological settings: Morocco, Namibia Tsumeb , Australia, USA; found in oxidized lead deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Cerussite, Barite, Celestine. Specimen safety: Keep this lead-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets.
Previous: Andradite — Calcium-iron garnet. The variety demantoid is one of the most valuable garnets, prized for its high dispersion exceeding diamond.
Next: Anhydrite — Anhydrous calcium sulfate that converts to gypsum when exposed to water. Common in evaporite sequences.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:04.231463+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Lead: working safely — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Canadian occupational-health guidance on lead exposure, dust control, hygiene, and safe handling.
Lead sulfate forming in the oxidation zone of galena-bearing deposits. Forms adamantine crystals of high density.
How can you identify Anglesite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Colorless, white, yellowish, gray; lustre: Adamantine to vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 2.5-3; cleavage: Good in two directions; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Transparent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Anglesite form?
Forms by oxidation of galena in the supergene zone of lead ore deposits.
Where is Anglesite commonly found?
Morocco, Namibia Tsumeb , Australia, USA; found in oxidized lead deposits.
Is Anglesite safe to handle?
Keep this lead-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Anglesite commonly confused with?
Anglesite may be confused with Cerussite, Barite, Celestine. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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