Anglesite is generally colourless or with a slight yellowish tinge, but can also be found as grey, green, purple, black or brown crystals (the black colouring is due to inclusions of galena). Crystals are heavy, but are fragile and soft, with perfect cleavage, and thus are faceted for collectors only.

Anglesite is formed by oxidation of galena (lead sulphide) and can be found in Anglesey in Wales (hence the name) and within the Leadhills district of Scotland. The very best crystals are present in Tsumeb (Namibia) and Morocco. Other localities include Germany, the United States, and Sardinia.

Chemical Composition: 

Lead sulphate

Crystal System / Forms: 

Orthorhombic

Hardness: 

3

Specific Gravity: 

6.35

Lustre: 

Waxy to adamantine.

Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.87-1.89 / 0.017

Sources: 

Anglesey (Wales), Leadhills (Scotland), Tsumeb (Namibia) and Morocco, Germany, United States, and Sardinia.

Cuts & Uses: 

Step cut, Mixed cut.