Angelite (Blue Anhydrite): Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Angelite?

Angelite is a delicate blue-coloured stone used mainly for its metaphysical healing properties. A trade name for the mineral anhydrite, this important rock-forming mineral is a type of calcium sulphate.

Anhydrite comes from the Greek word 'anhydros', meaning 'waterless' because it has no water molecules in its crystal structure. Angelite should not be allowed to get wet because it will eventually become hydrated and turn into gypsum. 

Although anhydrite occurs in many colours, including white, grey, blue, lilac, pink, and red, only the more intensely blue-coloured stone from Peru is officially known as angelite.

The subtle blue colour comes from traces of iron. Although it usually exhibits a dull lustre, the shade of colour will often be intensified due to its fine grain.

A relatively soft stone, angelite grades 3.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It's also brittle so must be handled carefully.

Angelite can be found in several countries, including Germany, Poland, Canada, America, and Mexico. Stone from these locations tends to be a lighter shade of blue. Although often marketed as angelite, it should be called blue anhydrite.

Blue anhydrite has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, but it's unknown if the material was mined in Egypt or arrived along ancient trade routes. 

Article Pictures

These angelite tumbled stones are from our collection