Galena

Galena
Galena with minor pyrite
General
CategorySulfide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
PbS
IMA symbolGn[1]
Strunz classification2.CD.10
Dana classification2.8.1.1
Crystal systemCubic
Crystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H–M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space groupFm3m
Unit cella = 5.936 Å; Z = 4
Identification
ColorLead gray and silvery
Crystal habitCubes and octahedra, blocky, tabular and sometimes skeletal crystals
TwinningContact, penetration and lamellar
CleavageCubic perfect on {001}, parting on {111}
FractureSubconchoidal
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness2.5–2.75
LusterMetallic on cleavage planes
StreakLead gray
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity7.2–7.6
Optical propertiesIsotropic and opaque
Fusibility2
Other characteristicsNatural semiconductor
References[2][3][4]

Galena, also called lead glance, is the natural mineral form of lead(II) sulfide (PbS). It is the most important ore of lead and an important source of silver.[5]

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.

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Anthony, John W.; Bideaux, Richard A.; Bladh, Kenneth W.; Nichols, Monte C., eds. (1990). "Galena". Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF). Vol. 1. Chantilly, VA: Mineralogical Society of America. ISBN 0962209708.
  3. ^ "Galena". Webmineral.
  4. ^ Galena. Mindat.org
  5. ^ Young, Courtney A.; Taylor, Patrick R.; Anderson, Corby G. (2008). Hydrometallurgy 2008: Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium. SME. ISBN 9780873352666.