mineral

Galena

Lead(II) sulfide (PbS)

Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: lead-gray to bluish-gray; Luster: metallic; Crystal structure: isometric/cubic; Cleavage: perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 7.2 to 7.6 (very heavy)

Hardness: 2
Color: lead-gray to bluish-gray
Luster: metallic

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: lead-gray to bluish-gray; Luster: metallic; Crystal structure: isometric/cubic; Cleavage: perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 7.2 to 7.6 (very heavy)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits through the precipitation of lead and sulfur from hot, mineral-rich fluids. It occurs across all geological ages in association with limestone and dolostone.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of lead; used in batteries, radiation shielding, electronics, and historically for pigments. Rarely used in jewelry due to toxicity and softness.

Geological facts

Galena is the most important ore of lead and often contains significant amounts of silver as an impurity. It was used in early radio sets (crystal radios) as a point-contact diode reflecting its semiconductive properties.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unusually high weight (density), metallic lead-gray color, and perfect cubic cleavage that causes it to break into smaller cubes. Commonly found in lead-zinc districts worldwide like Missouri, USA, and Derbyshire, UK.