mineral

Galena

Lead Sulfide (PbS)

Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Lead-gray to silver; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect cubic in three directions; Specific Gravity: 7.4–7.6 (very heavy).

Hardness: 2
Color: Lead-gray to silver
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Lead-gray to silver; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect cubic in three directions; Specific Gravity: 7.4–7.6 (very heavy).

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins at a variety of temperatures, in contact metamorphic deposits, and as replacements in limestone and dolomite. It is often found in sedimentary deposits where lead-rich fluids have passed through.

Uses & applications

Galena is the primary ore of lead and a significant ore of silver. It is used in batteries, lead shielding for X-ray rooms, soldering, and historically in early radio receivers (crystal radios).

Geological facts

Galena is the state mineral of Missouri and Wisconsin. It often reaches high purity and is known for its incredible weight-to-size ratio. Some galena specimens contain up to 1% silver by weight, making them valuable silver ores.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels very heavy for its size), cube-shaped crystals, silver-gray metallic luster, and its tendency to shatter into smaller perfect cubes when struck. It has a distinctive lead-gray streak on a porcelain plate.