Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
cubiccommonSulfides
Galena
PbS
This specimen features lustrous, metallic lead-gray galena crystals, predominantly showing cubic forms, intergrown with white quartz crystals.
Galena Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
lead gray to blackCleavage
Perfect cubic (three directions at 90 degrees)Fracture
subconchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
7.4Colors
lead-gray, silveryTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Bohemia, Czech RepublicMineral Group
SulfidesUses
lead ore, silver ore, historical radio detectors, collectorAssociated Minerals
quartz, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, barite, calciteRarity
commonGeological Context
Galena commonly forms in hydrothermal veins associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks, and also occurs in sedimentary rocks as replacements or disseminations. It is the primary ore mineral for lead and often a significant source of silver.
