Galena - a mineral, "lead ore" - is the main lead ore. It is described in the writings of Pliny the Elder, an ancient Roman scientist. Widely distributed throughout the world. The largest deposits are in the USA and Russia.
You can see galena stone for sale and buy it in the Minerals of Russia online store.
General | |
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Category | Sulfide mineral, octahedral subgroup |
Formula (repeating unit) |
PbS |
IMA symbol | Gn[1] |
Strunz classification | 2.CD.10 |
Dana classification | 2.8.1.1 |
Crystal system | Cubic |
Crystal class | Hexoctahedral (m3m) H–M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m) |
Space group | Fm3m |
Unit cell | a = 5.936 Å; Z = 4 |
Identification | |
Color | Lead gray and silvery |
Crystal habit | Cubes and octahedra, blocky, tabular and sometimes skeletal crystals |
Twinning | Contact, penetration and lamellar |
Cleavage | Cubic perfect on {001}, parting on {111} |
Fracture | Subconchoidal |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5–2.75 |
Luster | Metallic on cleavage planes |
Streak | Lead gray |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 7.2–7.6 |
Optical properties | Isotropic and opaque |
Fusibility | 2 |
Other characteristics | Natural semiconductor |