mineral

Galena

Lead Sulfide (PbS)

Hardness: 2.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Lead-gray to silver-gray. Luster: Metallic, bright on fresh surfaces. Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: Perfect in three directions forming cubes. Specific Gravity: High, approximately 7.4-7.6.

Hardness: 2
Color: Lead-gray to silver-gray
Luster: Metallic, bright on fresh surfaces

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins associated with limestone and other sedimentary rocks, as well as in contact metamorphic zones and pegmatites. Geological age varies widely depending on the deposit.

Uses & applications

Historically and primarily used as the principal ore of lead, as well as a source for silver extraction. Also used in early crystal radios as a semiconductor (cat's whisker detector).

Geological facts

Galena is a very dense mineral for its size and features distinctive cubic crystals and perfect cubic cleavage, meaning it breaks into smaller cubes when struck.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its high specific gravity (feels heavy for its size), metallic gray luster, and cubic cleavage. Commonly found in hydrothermal vein deposits worldwide, often associated with sphalerite, pyrite, and quartz.