Anglesite is usually colorless or with a slight yellowish tinge, but may also be found as grey, green, purple, brown, or black crystals (the black coloring is due to inclusions of galena). Crystals arc heavy, but are fragile and soft, with perfect cleavage, and so arc faceted for collectors only.

Anglesite is formed by oxidation of galena (lead sulphide) and may be found in Anglesey in Wales (hence the name) and in the I, eadhills district of Scotland. 'I've-best crystals are found in Tsumeb (Namibia) and Morocco. Other localities include Germany, the USA, and Sardinia.

An opaque, yellowish grey variety, chiastolite, occurs as long prisms, which make a cross when cur and polished.