mineral

Metallic sulfide-bearing rock, possibly galena-rich ore

Likely galena (PbS) with iron sulfides and gangue; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray to black, coarse and irregular, with bright metallic luster and scattered reflective grains. Galena has Mohs hardness 2.5–2.75, cubic crystals and perfect cubic cleavage; the specimen’s apparent brown weathering may indicate oxidation and mixed sulfides.

Identified September 2, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Metallic sulfide-bearing rock, possibly galena-rich ore
Scientific name: Likely galena (PbS) with iron sulfides and gangue; exact identification requires testing
Category: mineral
Identified: September 2, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$5–$30 for a common small ore specimen; $30–$150+ for attractive, well-crystallized galena or silver-rich material.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in hydrothermal veins or replacement deposits when hot, mineral-rich fluids precipitated sulfides in fractures, commonly during the Paleozoic to Mesozoic or younger. Weathering can produce brown iron-oxide coatings.

Uses & applications

Galena is an important historical lead ore and silver source; specimens are collected for their metallic appearance, but lead-bearing material should not be used in jewelry or handled without washing hands.

Geological facts

A heavy specimen with cubic cleavage and a gray streak would strongly support galena; magnetism would suggest associated magnetite rather than pure galena. Do not grind, ingest, or create dust because lead sulfides are toxic.

Field identification & locations

Common in lead-zinc districts worldwide, including Missouri, Idaho, Colorado, Peru, Australia and England. Confirm with specific gravity, streak, cleavage and ideally X-ray fluorescence; visual identification alone is uncertain.