Anglesite
Anglesite is a sulfate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with several world-class Chinese localities.
About Anglesite
Anglesite is a sulfate mineral in the barite group and has the chemical formula PbSO4. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Anglesite typically forms prismatic, tabular, pyramidal crystals; often complex multi-faced; massive, granular, stalactitic. Its color range is broad, including colorless, white, pale yellow, grey, pale green, and rarely black (galena-bearing). The luster is adamantine, vitreous, resinous, the streak is white, and specimens are typically transparent, translucent. The cleavage is good on {001}, distinct on {210}. The fracture is conchoidal, which aids identification.
Collector context
How it forms
In terms of geology, Anglesite forms in secondary mineral in oxidized zones of lead ore deposits; formed by alteration of galena by sulfate-bearing solutions. It is commonly found in association with galena, cerussite, pyromorphite, wulfenite, mimetite, lanarkite, limonite.
Classic Chinese localities
Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Jiama Cu-polymetallic deposit, Jindonggou Au deposit and Dexing Cu-Mo-Au ore field, among others.
Why collectors care
Collectors pursue Anglesite for the clarity of its crystal form and, in good material, saturated color that reads instantly across a display case. A well-terminated anglesite on clean matrix photographs well, identifies quickly, and anchors a cabinet piece. Top Chinese specimens over the last two decades have reset the bar for what anglesite looks like at collector grade.
What affects value
Value in Anglesite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) size relative to the species norm; (3) crystal form and termination sharpness; (4) color saturation and zoning; (5) transparency and internal clarity; (6) matrix quality and aesthetic balance; (7) condition (absence of damage, chips, or repair). Cleaning quality and verified locality documentation act as multipliers across the above.
Naming history
The name Anglesite has a specific etymological and historical context — see Mindat's reference entry for provenance details. We have retained naming data at the record level; published prose is paraphrased from factual fields rather than copied from source.