Angelite is a pale blue stone, highly valued in jewelry and holistic practices for its serene color and smooth, opaque texture. This popular material is frequently sought out by consumers, which often leads to questions about its origins. This article examines the stone’s geological history to determine if Angelite is a natural product of the Earth or a substance created in a laboratory.
The Definitive Natural Origin
Angelite is an entirely natural stone, not synthesized or artificially created by human processes. The name “Angelite” is a trade designation specifically given to the pale blue, semi-translucent to opaque variety of a pre-existing mineral. This stone is a distinct form of a mineral that occurs widely in sedimentary rock formations around the globe.
Chemical Identity and Mineral Properties
The mineral Angelite is scientifically identified as Anhydrite, which is composed of calcium sulfate (CaSO4). The name Anhydrite comes from Greek, meaning “without water,” which highlights its chemical difference from the closely related mineral Gypsum (CaSO4 ยท 2H2O). Angelite exhibits a soft, pale blue or lilac-blue color and is characterized by its opaque, often slightly mottled appearance. A key physical property is its relative softness, registering between 3 and 3.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it easily susceptible to scratching and damage.
Geological Formation and Primary Sources
The formation of Angelite is a result of deep geological processes, specifically classifying it as an evaporite mineral. This means it originates in sedimentary layers formed when large bodies of water, like ancient seas, slowly evaporate over time, leaving behind concentrated mineral deposits. The Anhydrite mineral forms when the hydrated version, Gypsum, loses its water molecules under intense pressure and heat from the overlying rock layers. Significant deposits of this material are found in various locations, including major commercial sources in Peru, Mexico, Poland, and parts of Libya.
Identifying Treated Stones and Imitations
While genuine Angelite is natural, many pieces sold commercially may be treated or are imitations, which contributes to the confusion about its origin. One common practice is the use of dyes to enhance the stone’s natural blue hue, sometimes resulting in an unnaturally saturated color that lacks the characteristic white mottling of authentic material. Cheaper minerals are often dyed and sold as Angelite, with Blue Calcite being a common substitute due to its similar color. Consumers can distinguish imitations by observing that genuine Angelite has an opaque, matte finish, while materials like Blue Calcite tend to have a waxy or slightly glossy appearance.