Galena
Image: <p>Banta, Nathaniel Moore, 1867-; Schneider, Albert, 1863-; Higley, William Kerr, 1860-1908; </p> Abbott, Gerard Alan (No restrictions)
Mineral NameGalena
Chemical FormulaPbS
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorlead gray
Cleavageperfect cubic (three directions at 90 degrees)
Fracturesubconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity7.5
Colorslead-gray, silvery-gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, often found in major lead-zinc deposits
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesmain ore of lead, source of silver, collector specimens
Associated Mineralssphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
A dark, lead-gray metallic mineral specimen featuring prominent cubic crystals embedded in a matrix, displaying a characteristic metallic luster.
Geological Context
Galena typically forms in hydrothermal veins associated with other sulfide minerals in lead-zinc ore deposits, and can also occur in sedimentary environments.
