Overview

Anglesite (PbSO4) is a classic secondary lead mineral formed by oxidation of galena. It is sought after for its high brilliance, adamantine luster, and often gemmy clarity in colors ranging from water-clear and icy white to lemon-yellow, honey, smoky gray, and occasionally greenish or bluish tints. Crystals are orthorhombic and typically present as blocky to thick prismatic or tabular forms; they can be sharply faceted and very lustrous, sometimes in striking contrast on metallic galena or in vugs with cerussite and other lead secondaries.

Despite its sparkling look, anglesite is relatively soft (Mohs ~2.5–3), brittle, and quite dense (specific gravity ~6.3), so pristine, unrepaired matrix specimens are less common than their abundance might suggest. Top pieces combine vivid color, transparency, sharp form, and elegant composition on matrix. Historic finds from Monteponi (Sardinia) and Broken Hill (Australia), together with Tsumeb (Namibia) and Morocco’s Touissit district, set the standard. Prices span from modest for small, well-formed crystals to significant for large, gemmy, undamaged classics with strong provenance.

Popularity

Collectors have prized anglesite for over a century, particularly for its gemmy yellow to honey crystals and exceptional luster that approaches that of fine gem minerals. Early European collecting culture elevated classic Sardinian and Cornish examples, while 20th-century finds at Broken Hill and Tsumeb added iconic status. Since the late 20th century, Morocco’s Touissit-Bou Beker district has supplied an ongoing stream of attractive specimens, broadening availability while leaving the very best historic pieces firmly in the blue-chip realm.

Anglesite’s appeal lies in the juxtaposition of gem-like optics with a metallic-lead environment—crystals perched on lustrous galena or in oxidized pockets with cerussite and linarite can be irresistibly aesthetic. Its softness and brittleness make perfect specimens genuinely scarce, so high-grade pieces from classic localities maintain strong demand among advanced collectors, while clean miniatures and thumbnails provide great entry points for newcomers.

Top Collecting Localities

While anglesite occurs at hundreds of lead deposits worldwide, a handful of localities are notable for producing especially fine or distinctive specimens.

Touissit, Morocco

The Touissit–Bou Beker district in eastern Morocco is famed for bright, lemon-yellow to honey-brown anglesite crystals, commonly sharp and glassy, often contrasting on metallic galena or with white to smoky cerussite. Crystals range from pristine thumbnails to several-centimeter single crystals and clusters, frequently with textbook orthorhombic faces and high luster. Production has varied by pocket and era, but the district remains a mainstay for modern anglesite collecting, with a mix of affordable singles and exceptional matrix pieces that can rival historical classics.

Tsumeb, Namibia

Tsumeb yielded anglesite across multiple oxidation zones, producing diverse habits and colors—colorless to pale yellow or smoky, sometimes with delicate zoning. The crystal quality can be superb: lustrous, gemmy, and sharply faceted, often on or with galena, cerussite, mimetite, or smithsonite. While not the most common Tsumeb species, anglesite from here is distinguished by its refinement and associations, and top pieces carry the Tsumeb premium for pedigree, condition, and aesthetics.

Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Broken Hill is renowned for stout, often smoky-gray to brown anglesite crystals, typically thick prismatic to blocky, and sometimes quite sizable. Classic pieces show striking contrast on massive galena or in open cavities, occasionally with cerussite. Most are older finds; fresh discoveries are rare, so good examples are increasingly prized for their history and characteristic robust style.

Collector’s Guide

Evaluating Specimen Quality

• Color and clarity:

  • Anglesite is most desirable when vividly colored (lemon-yellow to honey from Morocco are benchmarks) or absolutely water-clear with mirror luster.
  • Smoky gray/brown crystals from Broken Hill and subtle pastel tints (rare bluish or greenish tones) can be highly collectible when transparent and sharp.
  • Internal clarity is a major value driver—gemmy crystals with minimal veils or fractures have superior presence, especially with thick, light-transmitting prism sections.

• Luster and terminations:

  • A bright, adamantine luster is characteristic and critical. Fresh, highly reflective faces and crisp, unabraded edges make a specimen “pop.”
  • Terminations should be complete and sharp. Nicks or frosting at the tips are common detractions; prioritize pristine or minimally marked terminations.

• Crystal form and size:

  • Well-developed orthorhombic forms—blocky/tabular or thick prismatic—are preferred. Symmetry and sharpness matter.
  • Size adds impact, but condition and clarity trump sheer scale. A smaller, razor-lustrous, gemmy crystal often outranks a larger, battered one.

• Matrix and associations:

  • Anglesite on contrasting matrix (galena, iron-rich gossan, or with cerussite, mimetite, linarite) enhances aesthetics and desirability.
  • Classic associations tied to locality (e.g., Touissit anglesite on galena with cerussite; Tsumeb with mimetite or smithsonite) add provenance appeal.

• Condition:

  • Because anglesite is soft and brittle, undamaged matrix pieces are scarce and command premiums.
  • Inspect edges and tips under a loupe. Look for clean, glassy edges rather than white, crushed spots. Minor backside contacts are acceptable; obvious front-facing dings are not.

• Provenance:

  • Historic labels (Monteponi, Broken Hill) and impeccable locality documentation boost collectability and value.

Detecting Repairs or Treatments

• Repairs and reattachments:

  • Repaired breaks and reattached crystals are common due to brittleness. Check for straight glue seams, slight offsets in striations, or glossy film at junctions.
  • Examine the crystal–matrix interface with a loupe; some epoxies fluoresce under LW-UV, revealing repair lines.

• Polishing and restoration:

  • Polished terminations are uncommon but possible. Natural faces show minor growth textures; overly “perfect,” mirror-flat tips can indicate polishing.
  • Avoid specimens with obvious overcleaning; acid can etch or dull anglesite surfaces and damage associated matrix.

• Treatments:

  • Heat or irradiation treatments are unusual for specimen anglesite. Oil/resin fracture fillers are rare but not impossible—look for unnatural glassy pockets or RI mismatches.

• Assembled matrix:

  • Watch for non-matching matrix or unnatural contact zones suggesting a “built” specimen. Trusted dealers and documentation are key.

Care and Storage

Anglesite is soft, brittle, and lead-bearing; it requires mindful handling and gentle care.

• Handling and display:

  • Always handle with two hands, supporting the matrix. Avoid touching tips and edges.
  • Use stable bases or museum putty; anglesite’s density makes it prone to tipping. Secure in earthquake-prone areas.
  • Because it contains lead, wash hands after handling and avoid mouth/skin contact with dust.

• Environment:

  • Room conditions are fine; avoid extremes and rapid temperature changes which can induce fracturing.
  • Keep away from acidic fumes (e.g., vinegar, hydrochloric or sulfuric acid vapors) that can attack the surface or associated carbonates.
  • Light exposure is generally safe; anglesite colors are stable, though avoid baking under hot lights.

• Cleaning:

  • Dust gently with a soft brush or rubber bulb. For grime, use lukewarm distilled water with a drop of mild soap; rinse and air-dry thoroughly.
  • Do not use acids or harsh chemicals—these can etch anglesite or dissolve matrix species (e.g., calcite, dolomite).
  • Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners; vibration and heat can cause cleavage and amplify existing fractures.

• Storage:

  • Store individually in padded boxes or on cushioned shelves to prevent abrasion by harder species.
  • Separate from heavy or sharp neighboring specimens. Label clearly with locality and any notes on repairs.
  • For transport, wrap in soft tissue/foam with extra protection around terminations and edges.

By focusing on luster, clarity, sharp form, and clean terminations—ideally on contrasting matrix from a marquee locality—collectors can build a superb anglesite suite that spans both historic and modern classics.