What is Angelite?

Angelite Stone - Used for its Healing Properties

1. Angelite is a blue-coloured stone mainly used for its healing properties.

2. Angelite is a trade name for the mineral anhydrite. Anhydrite is a rock-forming mineral and a type of calcium sulphate.

3. Only blue anhydrite mined in Peru is Angelite. Other colours and stones not mined in Peru should be known simply as anhydrite.

4. Anhydrite comes from the Greek word 'anhydros', meaning 'waterless'. The name came about because the mineral has no water molecules in its crystal structure. 

5. Angelite must be kept somewhere cool and dry. If exposed to moisture, it will slowly turn into gypsum.

6. Angelite is a soft stone that scratches easily.

7. The trade name 'Angelite' came about because when used for its healing properties, crystals are associated with the angelic realm.

8. The subtle blue colour of Angelite is believed to come from impurities of iron. 

9. Blue anhydrite has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, but it's not known if it was mined there or arrived along ancient trade routes.

Article Photos

The Angelite sphere is from our collection.

Pop-up photos: Blue anhydrite (from Mexico), gypsum - Courtesy of Stan Celestian.