Galena vs Stibnite
| Property | Galena | Stibnite |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | PbS | Sb2S3 |
| Crystal System | Cubic (Isometric) | N/A |
| Mineral Class | 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts | N/A |
| Mohs Hardness | 2.5-2.8 | N/A |
| Color | Lead-gray | N/A |
| Luster | Metallic | N/A |
| Streak | Lead-gray | N/A |
| Transparency | Opaque | N/A |
| Cleavage | Perfect cubic {001} | N/A |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal | N/A |
Key Differences
- ◆ Galena is cubic (PbS) with perfect cubic cleavage; stibnite is orthorhombic (Sb2S3) with perfect prismatic cleavage.
- ◆ Both have lead-gray color and metallic luster, but stibnite forms long striated blade-like crystals.
- ◆ Galena is the principal lead ore; stibnite is the principal antimony ore.
- ◆ Stibnite has a lower specific gravity (4.5–4.6) than galena (7.4–7.6).
- ◆ Stibnite can be softened in a match flame; galena cannot.