Angelite is a trade name for a massive, blue-colored variety of the mineral anhydrite, often found in Peruvian deposits. It is prized by lapidary enthusiasts for its soft pastel blue color and ease of polishing, though its low hardness makes it prone to scratching and water sensitivity.
Is this angelite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch angelite with a known reference. Angelite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Angelite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Angelite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, grayish-blue, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Angelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Angelite and vitreous on Celestite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Angelite and vitreous on Calcite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Angelite and vitreous on Magnesite.
Often found alongside angelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with angelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaSO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.9-3.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect in 3 Directions
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Ornamental, Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $5-30 for tumbled stones or small specimens
Where rockhounds find angelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Peru
- Mexico
- Germany
- Poland
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where angelite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, halite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find angelite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
