Anglesite is considered as a secondary mineral that is formed by the alteration of primary lead minerals such as Galena in oxidation environments at ambient conditions. In addition, anglesite is mineralogically a lead sulfate and can be considered as a secondary ore of lead.
Properties and characteristics of anglesite
Below is a table with the most important physical and chemical properties that will serve for its identification.
| Anglesite | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | PbSO4 |
| In a group | sulphates; anhydrous sulphates |
| Composition | lead sulfate |
| Color | Colorless, white, yellow, gold, brown, green, orange, red, gray. May also be black due to Galena impurities. |
| Stripe | White, but light gray if Galena impurities. |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 – 3 |
| crystal system | orthorhombic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent in fine chips |
| specific gravity | 6.4 |
| Gloss | adamantine,resinous |
| Fracture | Conchoid |
| Tenacity | Fragile |
| Other identification marks | Commonly pale yellow fluorescent in shortwave ultraviolet light. |
| Most striking features | Unusual heaviness, adamantine luster, mineral associations and untappled crystals. |
| Environment | Anglesite is a secondary mineral that forms in eroded lead deposits. |
Colors
Because the mineral anglesite forms in a secondary environment, it can appear in various colors as white, yellow, brown, green, orange, red, gray but it can also be transparent.
In addition, anglesite crystals become especially interesting when they contain traces or inclusions of galena that cause the crystals to have gray and black colors in the form of bands or zonations.
Crystal shape
It is quite common for anglesite crystals to be elongated and tabular binoculars finished in point. Also many times the crystals appear dipyramidal which is characterized by being striated.
Generally these mineral crystals appear massive or granular and can form pseudomorphs with galena and cerussite.
Anglesite stone meaning
Its name comes from the type locality on Anglesey, an island off the north coast of Wales. The most sought after and coveted samples are those of golden yellow color because they are associated with warmth, kindness and joy.
In several western cultures they also affirm that the stone is a symbol of optimism, power and wisdom.
However, it must be remembered that this mineral has traces of lead, so it is advisable to keep it away from damaged skin.
Origin, formation and deposits
Anglesite is a secondary mineral that comes from the alteration of lead minerals and from the alteration mainly of galena, which is why galena is often found mixed with anglesite inside the mineral crystals as a nucleus of galena.
Anglesite appears in hydrothermal deposits, mainly eroded veins that contained lead and galena, and may also be associated with other precious metals, including Prayedand the silver.
Currently the most valuable anglesite stones and crystals come from Tsumeb, Nambia and from Mibladen in Morocco. In this case the most valuable anglesite stones that come from these places are the bright golden yellow ones.
Anglesite Mineral Uses
As secondary lead ore
Lead can be extracted from anglesite and therefore this mineral is considered to be a secondary lead ore, while galena is a primary ore. Let us remember that anglesite is formed from the alteration of galena and often has inclusions of this mineral in its structure.
As a collection stone
Not all anglesite specimens are very striking or coveted, in fact, mineral and gemstone collectors look for anglesite crystals to have good shapes and to be large crystals, in addition, the most striking samples are those with a golden color.
Can it be used in jewelry?
Anglesite cannot be used in jewelry because it does not have adequate hardness or resistance to justify its use, in fact its hardness on the Mohs scale is only 2.5.
In addition, care must be taken in its handling because it may contain traces of lead in its composition and on its faces. We must remember that lead is a relatively toxic element, so it is appropriate not to keep it in contact with the skin for a long time or bring it near wounds.