Galena is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulfide minerals. It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system often showing octahedral forms. It is often associated with the minerals sphalerite, calcite and fluorite.
Galena is the crystalline form of lead sulfide, PbS. It is in the cubic system and often forms beautiful silvery cubic crystals that may display twinning or steps. Galena is the major mineral source of lead. It forms beautiful crystals in the cubic system, many of which are prized by collectors.
Galena is the crystalline form of lead sulfide, PbS. It is in the cubic system and often forms beautiful silvery cubic crystals that may display twinning or steps. Galena is the major mineral source of lead. It forms beautiful crystals in the cubic system, many of which are prized by collectors.
Occurrence
Galena is the main ore of lead, used since ancient times, since lead can be smelted from galena in an ordinary wood fire
Importance
Galena is the official state mineral of the U.S. states of Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin; the former mining communities of Galena, Kansas, and Galena
Structure
Galena belongs to the octahedral sulfide group of minerals that have metal ions in octahedral positions
Geochemistry
Within the weathering or oxidation zone galena alters to anglesite (lead sulfate) or cerussite (lead carbonate)
Uses
One of the oldest uses of galena was in the eye cosmetic kohl. In Ancient Egypt
Galena is a lead sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the form of masses, cubes, octahedrons, and fibrous layers. Today, it's the most important lead ore when it comes to the production of goods. This mineral was first described back in 77 A.D. by Gaius Plinius Secundus (Pliny the Elder).
Structure of galena: Galena has a chemical composition of PbS. That means it contains an equal number of lead and sulfide ions. The ions are arranged in a cubic pattern that repeats in all directions. This structure is what causes crystals of galena to have a cubic form and causes galena to break in three directions at right angles.
Galena forms as
cubic crystals, usually in limestone rocks in a contact metamorphic zone. Occasionally Galena may form in a hydrothermal vent, these rarer deposits contain the highest silver content. Miners also find it in in coal beds. Galena’s energy works well with its “friends” – crystal associates formed in the same geological environment.,Galena is a mineral composed primarily of
lead(II) sulfide (PbS). It has been used for thousands of years as a source of lead, silver