Galena vs Sphalerite
| Property | Galena | Sphalerite |
|---|---|---|
| Formule | PbS | ZnS |
| Système Cristallin | Cubic (Isometric) | Cubic (Isometric) |
| Classe Minérale | 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts | 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts |
| Dureté Mohs | 2.5-2.8 | 3.5-4.0 |
| Couleur | Lead-gray | Yellow, brown, black, red, green |
| Éclat | Metallic | Adamantine |
| Trait | Lead-gray | White to yellow-brown |
| Transparence | Opaque | Translucent |
| Clivage | Perfect cubic {001} | Perfect dodecahedral {110} |
| Cassure | Subconchoidal | Conchoidal |
Key Differences
- ◆ Galena is lead-gray with a lead-gray streak and perfect cubic cleavage; sphalerite is variable in color with a white to yellow-brown streak.
- ◆ Galena (specific gravity 7.4–7.6) is one of the densest common minerals; sphalerite (3.9–4.1) is significantly lighter.
- ◆ Galena is the principal lead ore (PbS); sphalerite is the principal zinc ore (ZnS).
- ◆ Sphalerite has adamantine luster and perfect dodecahedral cleavage; galena has bright metallic luster and cubic cleavage.
- ◆ Both commonly occur together in hydrothermal veins with fluorite and calcite.