It is synonymous with Lichen angulosus, as defined by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1771, and all of the names resulting from generic transfers of that taxon.

These apothecia are flat or slightly convex, measuring 0.5–1.5 mm across, and have an orange-brown to flesh-coloured disc heavily covered in white pruina.

[5] The outer ring of the apothecia (the thalline exciple) features a well-developed cortex composed of vertically aligned hyphae (an anticlinal arrangement), with a medulla containing crystals that dissolve in a solution of potassium hydroxide (K).

The ascospores are single-celled, hyaline (translucent), simple, broadly ellipsoid, and measure 9–14.5 by 5–8.5 μm with a thin wall.

[5] Glaucomaria carpinea has been noted to be a morphologically variable species, particularly in the deposition of pruina on various surfaces and the thickness of the margins.

[7] Lichenicolous (lichen-dwelling) fungi that have been recorded parasitising Glaucomaria carpinea include Arthonia subfuscicola, Sphaerellothecium propinquellum, Tremella endosporogena, and Heteroacanthella ellipsospora.