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cubiccommonSulfides
Galena
PbS
This specimen features lustrous, lead-gray galena crystals, likely exhibiting their characteristic cubic or octahedral forms, growing on or with white quartz crystals. The metallic luster of galena contrasts with the vitreous luster of quartz.
Galena Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
lead-grayCleavage
perfect cubicFracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
7.5Colors
lead-grayTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Neudorf, Harzgerode mining district, Harz, Saxony-Anhalt, GermanyMineral Group
SulfidesUses
lead ore, silver ore, collector specimensAssociated Minerals
quartz, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, calcite, bariteRarity
commonGeological Context
Galena typically forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with other sulfide minerals, and is the most important ore mineral of lead. It can also be found in contact metamorphic deposits and sedimentary rocks.
