Galena
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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 Gravity7.4
Colorslead gray, silvery gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityJoplin, Missouri, USA
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of lead, source of silver, collector
Associated Mineralssphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz, fluorite, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
The sample displays several well-formed, dark gray, metallic cubic crystals, some exhibiting stepped growth patterns, clustered together.
Geological Context
Galena commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with other sulfide minerals, and can also be found in sedimentary rocks as replacements or disseminations.
