Anglesite Identification Guide
Identify anglesite, a lead sulfate from oxidized galena, by its very high density, adamantine luster, softness, and association with lead ores.
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What Anglesite Looks Like
Anglesite is lead sulfate (PbSO4), a secondary mineral that forms when galena (lead sulfide) oxidizes. It is typically colorless, white, gray, or pale yellow, sometimes tinted green or blue by impurities, and can be transparent to translucent with a striking adamantine to resinous luster caused by its high lead content. Crystals are orthorhombic — tabular, prismatic, or pyramidal — and are often found as crusts or coatings on, or surrounding, a dark galena core ("anglesite after galena").
Step-by-Step Field-ID Checklist
- Heft the specimen — anglesite feels remarkably heavy for its size; high density is the single best field clue.
- Note the brilliant adamantine luster on crystal faces.
- Look for a galena association — gray metallic lead sulfide nearby or as a core is a strong contextual clue.
- Test hardness — soft, Mohs 2.5–3; a knife scratches it readily.
- Check transparency and color — often colorless-to-pale, glassy crystals on or near oxidized lead ore.
Key Diagnostic Tests
- Mohs hardness: 2.5–3.
- Streak: white (colorless).
- Cleavage: good in one direction, distinct in another.
- Specific gravity: ~6.3 — extremely high, diagnostic; far heavier than common minerals.
- No fizz in plain acid (it is a sulfate, not a carbonate).
- Non-magnetic. May fluoresce yellow under UV.
Common Look-Alikes
- Cerussite (lead carbonate): also a heavy, brilliant secondary lead mineral from galena, but cerussite effervesces in dilute nitric acid (and weakly with HCl after scratching), while anglesite does not react. Cerussite is even denser (SG ~6.5).
- Barite (barium sulfate): similar tabular habit and good cleavage but much lighter (SG ~4.5) and lacks anglesite's super-high heft.
- Celestite: pale blue, SG ~3.9 — far lighter than anglesite.
- Calcite/aragonite: light, and fizz vigorously in acid.
Where It Is Found
Anglesite is a classic oxidation-zone mineral of lead deposits, forming in the weathered upper portions of galena-bearing veins. It is named for Anglesey, Wales. Notable localities include Tsumeb (Namibia), Touissit (Morocco), Sardinia (Italy), Australia (Broken Hill), and many lead mining districts in the U.S. and Mexico. Always handle with care and wash hands — it is a lead mineral.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if it's anglesite?
Anglesite is a soft (Mohs 2.5–3) lead sulfate with brilliant adamantine luster and extremely high density (SG ~6.3). It is usually colorless-to-pale, sits on or around galena, and does not fizz in acid (unlike cerussite).
What does anglesite look like?
It appears as colorless, white, gray, or pale yellow transparent-to-translucent crystals with a glassy-to-diamond-like luster, often forming a crust over or beside a dark gray galena core.
Anglesite vs cerussite — what's the difference?
Both are heavy secondary lead minerals from galena. Cerussite is a carbonate and effervesces in dilute nitric acid, while anglesite is a sulfate and does not react. Cerussite is also slightly denser.
Is anglesite dangerous to handle?
It is a lead mineral, so handle specimens minimally, never ingest or inhale dust, and wash your hands after handling. Store it labeled and away from food preparation areas.