How To Tell if Angelite Is Real (Tips For Beginners)

In this article, you’ll learn the basics of what you need to know about angelite, as well as how to identify it.

How To Tell if Angelite Is Real (EXPLAINED)

What Is Angelite?

Angelite, commonly known as anhydrite or angel stone, is a form of crystal or anhydrate made of calcium sulfate, not to be confused with the calcium sulfate supplements we add to our diet.

Its colors can range from gray to a beautiful sky blue.

It was first known as Blue Anhydrate when first discovered in 1989 and is only found in Peru and is associated with Calcites and Halites.

Angelite is rarely seen in crystal form but in masses and is considered a form of Gypsum, which is formed by water.

Angelite may feel hard to touch, but it is on the soft side.

When it comes to Moh’s hardness scale, it is ranked 3.5.

Gypsum ranks at a 2 and the Diamond is at the top of the scale with a score of- you guessed it- 10.

Angelite stone is strongly related to the astrological sign of Aquarius, and the throat, third eye, and crown chakras.

How To Identify Angelite

Texture

Angelite in raw form will feel rough to the touch and even have a chalky feel.

It will have a white center.

*Note: Most crystals are rough in their raw form.

Angelite will chip easily compared to a harder gemstone.

Where Was It Found?

Note that Angelite is not found among the agates in a gravel pit.

It is only found in certain areas, such as the mountains of Peru, the UK, Germany, and Poland.

Most specimens will be in polished form when bought on the market.

Color

High-quality Angelite will be lilac-blue or glacier blue and contain flecks or even streaks of rusty brown.
Other varieties of Angelite can range from white to gray or even pink and will contain flecks of some sort depending on the color.

Weight

A 1 ½” stone can weigh over 22 grams.

It is a heavy stone compared to others, so this is a good indication it is a genuine specimen.

Light Refraction

Not noticeable compared to other crystals but will have a pleasant sheen after being polished.

Not Water Resistant

Angelite will not stand up to water because it was created by water in those places where Gypsum stones were initially in contact with water.

The water evaporates and what is left over eventually becomes Angelite.

Any gemstone with a hardness rating of less than 5 should be kept away from water or they will crack or dissolve completely.

Avoiding A Look-Alike

There is a common mistake made when comparing Angelite to Celestite and a misconception is they are the same, but they are not.

Celestite does contain sulfate, but it is Strontium Sulfate and unlike Angelite Celestite is found in geode form.

They are both very handsome crystals though.

Everyday Uses

Angelite is used in a variety of jewelry settings, but pure Angelite will not be found in ring settings or bracelets because, as mentioned above, it should not be exposed to perspiration.

It can be combined with other gemstones in a brooch or pin, for instance.

Care of Angelite

Angelite is very soft.

As such, it should not be worn during strenuous physical activity, left it pockets or purses to bounce around, or dropped.

When you clean it, it is best to start with a dry cloth, buffing out any smudges.

If you need additional cleaning, use water or other liquids sparingly, and allow the specimen to fully air out and dry out before storing it.

Allowing the specimen to soak in water for any extended period of time could result in damage to the surface of the stone, or lead to fracturing of the piece.

In conclusion

Angelite is a soft gemstone or crystal not known to be found in the United States but is frequently mined in Peru, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

It does not like water and can be confused with the crystal Celestite.

Angelite is fine when creating jewelry that will not encounter water and is often used in conjunction with other gemstones.

Angelite is readily found in shops along with other crystals and is said to have healing properties.