Galena
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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, notable localities include Missouri (USA), Freiberg (Germany), Broken Hill (Australia), various locations in Mexico, Peru, and Canada.
Mineral Groupsulfides
Usesore of lead, source of silver, collector
Associated Mineralssphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, quartz, fluorite, barite, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
A heavy, lead-gray mineral with a distinct metallic luster, often forming cubic crystals or massive aggregates. Its perfect cubic cleavage is a key identifying feature.
Geological Context
Galena typically forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with other sulfide minerals, and in sedimentary rocks as replacement deposits. It is a common ore mineral in many types of lead-zinc deposits.
