Anglesite (PbSO₄) is the secondary lead sulfate of the oxidized cap zones of galena-bearing Pb-Zn deposits. Named after Anglesey (Wales) where it was first described, Anglesite is famous for adamantine transparent crystals from Touissit (Morocco), Tsumeb (Namibia), and Sardinia. It forms by oxidation of galena, often as paramorphic pseudomorphs preserving galena cube outlines.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 2.5–3.
- Orthorhombic; isostructural with barite, celestite, witherite-strontianite group.
- Specific gravity 6.4 — exceptionally heavy.
- Adamantine luster from high refractive index (1.88).
- Common alteration product of galena in oxidized Pb-Zn caps.
Notable Localities
Touissit (Morocco) and Tsumeb (Namibia) supply adamantine gem-quality crystals. Monteponi (Sardinia, Italy) yields classic European specimens.
Found at these Localities
- Tsumeb Mine (楚梅布矿)
- Imiter Mine (伊米泰尔银矿)
- Italian Volcanic Province (Vesuvius / Lipari / Etna) (意大利火山矿物产地)
