Galena

Galena

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: May 2022
Galena Rough

Galena is found as attractive mineral specimens. Its cubic structure with perfect 90-degree cleavage planes along with its bright silver like metallic luster is eye catching. Most galena is mined as a lead ore. Argentiferous Galena is sought after for its silver content and greatly increases its ore value.

General Information

Common Name
Galena
Species
Galena
Transparency
Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: None
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Hardness
2.5-2.75
Streak
lead-gray
Specific Gravity
7.58
Toughness
Poor
Luster
Dull, Metallic
Stability
Poor
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect 90-degree
Chemical Name
lead sulfide
Chemical Formula
PbS
Crystal System
Cubic
Chemistry Classification
Native Element

Galena Colors

  • Gray Galena
    Gray

Countries of Origin

Russian Federation; Romania; United States of America; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Portugal; Canada; Austria; Belgium; Unknown; Ireland; Poland; Italy; Mexico; South Africa; France; Peru; Germany

History

Galena has been used as a lead ore for thousands of years due to its low melting point of 327 °C (621 °F) . A smelting site has been dated to 6500 BC in Turkey.

Care

Galena is very soft and has perfect cleavage. Care must be taken not to damage the crystals. The mineral will tarnish if exposed to the elements. It is a lead sulfide mineral so please wash hands after handling.