Anglesite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAnglesite
Chemical FormulaPbSO4
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood on {011}, fair on {210}, poor on {100}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.3
Colorscolorless, white, pale yellow, greenish
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityTouissit, Touissit District, Oujda-Angad Province, Oriental Region, Morocco
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usesminor ore of lead, collector
Associated Mineralsgalena, cerussite, limonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen showcases several well-formed, prismatic to tabular anglesite crystals, ranging from colorless to pale yellow and greenish, embedded within a dark, earthy matrix. The crystals display excellent transparency and a bright, adamantine luster.
Geological Context
Anglesite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of lead sulfide deposits, typically as an alteration product of galena (PbS) when it reacts with sulfate-rich solutions.
