Angelite

Other Silicates & Gemstones

Angelite is a trade name for fine-grained, pale blue-grey anhydrite from Peru. It is calcium sulfate without water in its crystal structure, not a separate mineral species, and typically occurs as a soft, opaque to semitransparent massive material.

Identity

Material or variety: Anhydrite
Scientific or material identity: Anhydrite (angelite variety)
Classification: Natural mineral or mineral variety
Composition or formula: CaSO₄
Crystal system or structure: Orthorhombic
Geological or manufacturing origin: Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness: 3 to 3.5

Origins

Peru

Appearance & optical properties

powder-blue opaque anhydrite with matte silky surfaces.

History & discovery

Anhydrite was named by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1804 because, unlike gypsum, it contains no water of crystallization. The name angelite was later adopted in the gem trade for Peru’s pale blue-grey massive material, which local workshops shaped into spheres, eggs, carvings and other polished objects.

Uses & care

Common uses: Angelite is polished into beads, cabochons, spheres, small carvings and decorative objects. Its softness and strong cleavage favor protected ornaments rather than jewelry exposed to knocks.
Handling and cleaning: Wipe it with a soft dry or barely damp cloth and dry it promptly. Avoid soaking, steam, ultrasonic cleaning, acids and hard blows: anhydrite is soft, has strong cleavage and can absorb water as it changes toward gypsum.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Angelite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

Seraph Halo Tiara
Tiara
A delicate tiara in white gold set with pale blue angelite cabochons that seem to float, named for the stone's soft sky colour. It is a bridal piece, light as a breath.
Pale Halo Necklace
Necklace
A fine gold chain holding a single round angelite cabochon at the throat, its milky blue like a wisp of cloud. The simplicity lets the calm colour speak.
Angel Wing Earrings
Earrings
A pair of drop earrings carved as feathered wings, each holding a small angelite cabochon at its tip. The pale blue stones hang like drops of morning sky.
Soft Sky Ring
Ring
An imagined silver ring with an oval of angelite, the pale blue of an early morning sky, ringed with small pearls.
Seraph Wing Brooch
Brooch
An imagined pair of outspread wings in platinum, their feathers cut from pale blue angelite.