Galena
Image: James Petts from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameGalena
Chemical FormulaPbS
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorlead gray
Cleavageperfect cubic (three directions at 90 degrees)
Fracturesubconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity7.4
Colorslead gray, silvery gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, found in numerous lead-zinc ore deposits
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of lead, source of silver, historical use in radio detectors
Associated Mineralssphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, quartz, calcite, fluorite, barite
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a specimen of galena, characterized by its dark lead-gray color and metallic luster, appearing as a massive or crystalline aggregate embedded within a lighter, reddish-brown to off-white matrix.
Geological Context
Galena commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and sedimentary exhalative deposits. It is a significant ore mineral found in association with other sulfide minerals in lead-zinc ore bodies.
