Galena
A variety of Galena Group
What is Galena?
Galena is a distinctive, lead-containing mineral with a strong metallic luster. It is often found alongside silver, and has been mined for centuries in pursuit of those two elements. A powdered form of the mineral was worn around the eyes in ancient Egypt – both cosmetic and practical, it helped reduce the glare of the desert sun. Specimens of galena forming large cubic or octahedral crystals are prized by rock hounds and collectors.
Uses & Applications
Galena can be smelted in order to obtain lead and silver. While it has few uses outside of being a common ore mineral, the lead obtained from this mineral is commonly used in batteries, particularly auto-batteries used in vehicles which can last for several years.
Healing Properties
Galena is believed to be a grounding stone, which removes emotional blocks and helps to restore a person's motivation and drive. It is believed to enhance kindness and sensuality and is recommended to be worn, kept in your pocket, or placed in your home to restore energy in all aspects of your life.
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Galena before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Galena Localities Map
See where Galena is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Geochemistry
Within the weathering or oxidation zone galena alters to anglesite (lead sulfate) or cerussite (lead carbonate). Galena exposed to acid mine drainage can be oxidized to anglesite by naturally occurring bacteria and archaea, in a process similar to bioleaching.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Formation of Galena
Galena is the main ore of lead, used since ancient times. Because of its somewhat low melting point, it was easy to liberate by smelting. It typically forms in low-temperature sedimentary deposits.
Composition of Galena
Galena belongs to the octahedral sulfide group of minerals that have metal ions in octahedral positions, such as the iron sulfide pyrrhotite and the nickel arsenide niccolite. The galena group is named after its most common member, with other isometric members that include manganese bearing alabandite and niningerite. Divalent lead (Pb) cations and sulfur (S) anions form a close-packed cubic unit cell much like the mineral halite of the halide mineral group. Zinc, cadmium, iron, copper, antimony, arsenic, bismuth and selenium also occur in variable amounts in galena. Selenium substitutes for sulfur in the structure constituting a solid solution series. The lead telluride mineral altaite has the same crystal structure as galena.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Galena dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Lead.
- ⚠️Lead
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle galena carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing galena, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store galena in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Lead-grey
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 7.57 g/cm³
- Streak
- Lead-grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Isometric
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- PbS
- Elements
- Pb, S
Also Known As
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Galena FAQs
How do I identify Galena?
Galena can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Lead-grey color, Metallic luster, Isometric crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Galena?
Galena typically appears in Lead-grey. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Galena?
Galena has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of galena of Galena?
Galena is the main ore of lead, used since ancient times. Because of its somewhat low melting point, it was easy to liberate by smelting. It typically forms in low-temperature sedimentary deposits.
What is the composition of galena of Galena?
Galena belongs to the octahedral sulfide group of minerals that have metal ions in octahedral positions, such as the iron sulfide pyrrhotite and the nickel arsenide niccolite. The galena group is named after its most common member, with other isometric members that include manganese bearing alabandite and niningerite. Divalent lead (Pb) cations and sulfur (S) anions form a close-packed cubic unit cell much like the mineral halite of the halide mineral group. Zinc, cadmium, iron, copper, antimony, arsenic, bismuth and selenium also occur in variable amounts in galena. Selenium substitutes for sulfur in the structure constituting a solid solution series. The lead telluride mineral altaite has the same crystal structure as galena.