Galena
Lead sulfide (PbS)
A heavy, lead-grey metallic mineral with perfect cubic cleavage, galena is the world's main ore of lead and often carries silver.
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Color
- lead-grey, silvery metallic
- Type
- mineral
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Overview
Galena is lead sulfide and the most important ore of lead. It is instantly recognizable by its bright lead-grey metallic luster, very high density (it feels surprisingly heavy), and perfect cubic cleavage — it breaks into clean little cubes and steps.
It crystallizes in the cubic system, forming superb cube and octahedron crystals as well as massive and granular aggregates. Galena commonly contains valuable silver, making it an important silver ore as well.
Because it contains lead, specimens should be handled carefully and hands washed afterward. It is a favorite of mineral collectors for its bright crystals and dramatic heft.
Formation & geology
Galena forms mainly in hydrothermal veins where hot, metal-rich fluids deposit lead and other sulfides as they cool, often alongside sphalerite (zinc sulfide), pyrite, fluorite, calcite, and barite.
Large low-temperature deposits known as Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) deposits form when basinal brines precipitate galena and sphalerite in carbonate host rocks. Galena also occurs in contact metamorphic and replacement deposits.
Famous localities include the Tri-State district and Missouri's lead belt in the USA, the Pennine ore fields of England, Freiberg in Germany, and many sites worldwide.
How to identify it
Galena is identified by its lead-grey metallic luster, perfect cubic cleavage, very high density (heavy in the hand), softness (Mohs 2.5), and grey-black streak. Freshly broken pieces split into right-angled, mirror-bright cubes.
The combination of cubic cleavage plus great weight is essentially diagnostic.
Look-alikes: Stibnite is grey and metallic but forms bladed crystals and lacks cubic cleavage. Molybdenite is softer, greasy, and bluish. Sphalerite associated with it is usually brown to black with resinous luster. Few other minerals combine galena's cubic cleavage and heaviness.
Uses & significance
Galena is the principal ore of lead, used historically and industrially for batteries (lead-acid car batteries), radiation shielding, ammunition, solder, and pigments. Silver-rich galena is also a significant silver ore.
Historically galena was used as 'potter's ore' to glaze ceramics and, ground up, as the ancient eye cosmetic kohl, and crystals served as the detector in early 'cat's whisker' crystal radio sets.
Today it is valued primarily for metal extraction and as collector specimens. Because of its lead content, it should be handled with care and is not used in jewelry worn against the skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is galena dangerous to handle?
Galena contains lead, so handle specimens carefully, avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles, keep it away from food, and wash your hands after touching it.
Why is galena so heavy?
Galena is lead sulfide, and lead is a very dense element, giving the mineral a specific gravity around 7.5 — far heavier than most common minerals.
Does galena contain silver?
Often yes. Many galena deposits carry economically significant silver, making galena an important ore for both lead and silver.
How do I recognize galena?
Look for a bright lead-grey metallic mineral that is soft, very heavy, and breaks into perfect little cubes due to its cubic cleavage.
Galena guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Galena.
Galena identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Rock Identifier.
