Anglesite is a secondary mineral formed by the oxidation of lead-rich ore deposits, most notably galena. Collectors value it for its high brilliance and distinct adamantine luster, though its softness and perfect cleavage make it fragile. It is most commonly found in the oxidation zones of mines alongside cerussite and other lead-rich secondary minerals.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralcommon

Anglesite

Also: lead vitriol, vitriol of lead

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this anglesite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch anglesite with a known reference. Anglesite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anglesite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Anglesite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, gray, blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular, prismatic, or blocky crystals; also granular or massive.

Often confused with

Anglesite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Anglesite and vitreous on Baryte.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Anglesite and vitreous on Celestite.

Compare →

Often found alongside anglesite

Minerals reported to co-occur with anglesite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PbSO₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 6.3-6.4 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow Gray Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular, Prismatic, Or Blocky Crystals; Also Granular or Massive
Cleavage: Good in 3 Directions
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow Under SW UV
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $10-50 for small specimens, $100-500+ for high-quality crystals

Where rockhounds find anglesite

14 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Anglesey, Wales
Tsumeb, Namibia
Broken Hill, Australia
Touissit, Morocco
Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where anglesite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, pyromorphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular, prismatic, or blocky crystals; also granular or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah, Missouri, North Carolina — start trip planning there.

Browse 14 U.S. spots for anglesite →

Common questions

How do you identify anglesite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow, gray.

Where is anglesite found?+

Notable localities include Anglesey, Wales; Tsumeb, Namibia; Broken Hill, Australia; Touissit, Morocco; Arizona, USA.

Can I find anglesite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 14 anglesite rockhounding spots across 8 U.S. states — the top states are Utah, Missouri, North Carolina.

How much is anglesite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 for small specimens, $100-500+ for high-quality crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is anglesite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when cleaning specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like anglesite?+

Anglesite is most often confused with Cerussite, Baryte, Celestite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with anglesite?+

Anglesite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Cerussite, Pyromorphite, Linarite, Smithsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does anglesite form in?+

Anglesite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anglesite used for?+

Anglesite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find anglesite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.