Galena

PbS

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Galena is the principal ore of lead and one of the most widely distributed sulfide minerals, a lead sulfide (PbS) that crystallizes in the cubic system. Its perfect cubic cleavage and high specific gravity of 7.40 to 7.60 make it easy to recognize, along with a metallic luster and a lead-gray color and streak. Crystals are commonly cubic or octahedral, and the Mohs hardness is a low 2.5 to 2.8. Galena frequently occurs with sphalerite, calcite, and fluorite, and it often carries enough silver to be an economic byproduct source of that metal. A bright metallic luster and subconchoidal fracture accompany its diagnostic weight and cubic cleavage.

Galena is the principal ore of lead and one of the most widely distributed sulfide minerals. It commonly occurs with sphalerite, calcite, and fluorite. Its perfect cubic cleavage and high specific gravity make it easily identifiable.

Crystal System Cubic (Isometric)
Mineral Class 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts
Mohs Hardness 2.5-2.8
Specific Gravity 7.40-7.60
Color Lead-gray
Luster Metallic
Streak Lead-gray
Cleavage Perfect cubic {001}
Fracture Subconchoidal
Transparency Opaque
Crystal Habit Cubic, octahedral

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 2.5 – 2.8
1 Soft10 Hard
Galena has a Mohs hardness of 2.5–2.8 on the 1–10 mineral hardness scale.
Mohs Hardness Reference Mineral
1 Talc
2 Gypsum
3 Calcite
4 Fluorite
5 Apatite
6 Orthoclase
7 Quartz
8 Topaz
9 Corundum
10 Diamond

Crystal System

Cubic (Isometric)
Galena crystallizes in the Cubic (Isometric) crystal system.
Property Value
Crystal System Cubic (Isometric)
Axial Relationships a = b = c, α = β = γ = 90°

Explore on Science FYI

ChemFYI
Lead (Pb) Primary lead ore (PbS)
ChemFYI
Sulfur (S) Sulfide mineral component

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardness of Galena?
Galena has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-2.8.
What crystal system does Galena belong to?
Galena crystallizes in the Cubic (Isometric) crystal system.
What color is Galena?
Galena is typically Lead-gray.
What type of luster does Galena have?
Galena exhibits a Metallic luster.
What is the chemical formula of Galena?
The chemical formula of Galena is PbS.