Galena
Image: Islam90 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameGalena
Chemical FormulaPbS
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorlead gray to black
Cleavageperfect cubic (three directions at 90 degrees)
Fracturesubconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity7.5
Colorslead-gray, silvery-gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, notable localities include Missouri (USA), Freiberg (Germany), Broken Hill (Australia), and Potosí (Bolivia).
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of lead, source of silver, collector's mineral, early radio detectors
Associated Mineralssphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, quartz, fluorite, barite, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a microscopic view of a polished galena sample, showing a bright, reflective surface with numerous scratches and dark inclusions, typical of a metallic ore mineral under reflected light microscopy.
Geological Context
Galena commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often in association with lead-zinc deposits, and can also occur in contact metamorphic and sedimentary environments. It is the most important ore mineral for lead.
