mineral
Galena with Pyrite
Lead Sulfide (PbS) associated with Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
Hardness: 2.5 for galena and 6-6.5 for pyrite; Color: Lead-gray with brassy yellow metallic inclusions; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect cubic cleavage for galena; Specific Gravity: High density, around 7.4 to 7.6 for galena
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Lead-gray with brassy yellow metallic inclusions
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5 for galena and 6-6.5 for pyrite; Color: Lead-gray with brassy yellow metallic inclusions; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect cubic cleavage for galena; Specific Gravity: High density, around 7.4 to 7.6 for galena
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary replacement deposits, and contact metamorphic environments, often associated with sphalerite, pyrite, and quartz.
Uses & applications
Historically one of the primary ores of lead and silver; currently collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Galena was used in early crystal radio sets as a point-contact diode. Due to its high lead content, specimens should be handled with care and washed after handling.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high specific gravity (feels heavy for its size), bright metallic luster, and perfect cubic cleavage that causes it to break into small cubes.
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