Angelite/Anhydrite Rough Mineral Specimen

This  angelite is the blue-gem variety of anhydrite, (anhydrous calcium sulfate)  is from Peru. Angelite is prized for its very fine grain with delicate blue colors that is an exception to most forms of anhydrite which is white or gray in color. The best grades of angelite exhibit a translucency that imparts a softness and depth, usually described as a “glow,” to the basic blue color which is often used in jewelry and small decorative objects such as figurines, ashtrays, hearts, pyramids, and spheres.

Peruvian mining began some 3,000 years ago when pre-Incan cultures began working the rich gold placers. Peru currently ranks third worldwide in the production of copper, silver, tin, and zinc; fourth in molybdenum; and fifth in gold and lead. It is also an important source of borate minerals, chalk, clay, gypsum, phosphate, and travertine.  Mining accounts for two-thirds of the value of all Peruvian exports.  About 83,000 Peruvians are employed in the nation’s mining industry.