Anglesite
Anglesite is a popular mineral composed of lead sulfate. [1]
Anglesite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Anglesite:- Transparency: Anglesite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, anglesite is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, anglesite can be adamantine, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Anglesite streaks gray, light gray or white.
- Hardness: Anglesite's hardness ranges from 2.5 to 3 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Anglesite's specific gravity ranges from 6.3 to 6.38.
Anglesite: Background and Summary
Anglesite is a mineral that is commonly found in lead deposits. It is a lead sulfate mineral that has a chemical formula of PbSO4. It is a colorless, gray, white, or yellowish mineral that has a vitreous to adamantine luster. Anglesite is often found in the form of prismatic crystals, which are usually elongated and have a diamond-shaped cross-section. It is also commonly found in granular or massive form.One of the easiest ways to identify anglesite is by its crystal structure. Anglesite crystals are usually prismatic, elongated, and have a diamond-shaped cross-section. They are also often twinned, which means that two or more crystals have grown together in a specific orientation. Anglesite also has a relatively high specific gravity of 6.3, which means that it is much heavier than most other minerals of the same size.
Anglesite has a number of uses in industry. It is primarily used as a source of lead, which is used in a wide range of applications, including batteries, ammunition, and construction materials. It is also used as a pigment in paints and other coatings, as well as in the production of glass and ceramics. Anglesite is also used in the production of other lead compounds, such as lead oxide and lead acetate.
Anglesite: Table of Properties
Attribute | Anglesite (src) |
---|---|
Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
Chemical Formula | PbSO4 |
Chemical Composition | lead sulfate |
Specific Gravity | 6.3, 6.38, 6.39 |
Hardness | 2.5, 3 |
Streak | gray, white, light gray |
Crystallography | orthorhombic |
Refractive Index | 1.877, 1.894 |
Hydrous | No |
Colors | common: gray, yellow, red sometimes: blue, brown, green, white, orange, violet less common: pale, black, lemon, colorless, gold, multicolor |
Category | sulfate |
Anglesite: FAQ
Q: Is anglesite toxic?A: Yes, anglesite contains lead, which is a toxic substance. It should be handled with care and kept away from children and pets.
Q: Where is anglesite found?
A: Anglesite is commonly found in lead deposits around the world. It is often associated with other lead minerals, such as galena and cerussite.
Q: Can anglesite be used in jewelry?
A: While anglesite is a beautiful mineral, it is not commonly used in jewelry because of its low hardness and susceptibility to damage.
Sources
- "Anglesite." Mindat.org. https://www.mindat.org/min-225.html- "Anglesite Mineral Data." Webmineral.com. http://webmineral.com/data/Anglesite.shtml
- Anglesite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglesite
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