RocksdayAnglesite vs Barite
How to tell them apart
Lead sulfate that forms where galena weathers, often as brilliant clear crystals.
Photo: Parent Géry, CC BY-SA 3.0
Barium sulfate — a pale mineral that is surprisingly heavy. Sand-filled rosettes from Oklahoma are known as rose rocks.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick tests
- Heft: Anglesite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.3–6.4 vs 4.3–4.5).
Key differences
- Barite is lighter.
Side by side
| Property | Anglesite | Barite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5–3 | 3–3.5 |
| Luster | Adamantine | Vitreous to pearly |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Clear, White, Yellow, Gray | White, Clear, Blue, Yellow, Brown |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Orthorhombic |
| Specific gravity | 6.3–6.4 | 4.3–4.5 |
| Formula | PbSO₄ | BaSO₄ |
| Found in | Touissit, Morocco; Anglesey, Wales | Norman, Oklahoma; Morocco |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify anglesite
- Heavy, bright crystals, often growing on galena.
- Adamantine luster.
- Doesn't fizz in acid.
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Full Anglesite guide →How to identify barite
- Unusually heavy for a light-colored mineral.
- Tabular, bladed crystals.
- Hardness about 3 — a knife scratches it.
- Doesn't fizz in acid.
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Full Barite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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