Galena, also called lead glance, is the natural mineral form of
lead(II) sulfide (PbS). In addition to lead, some deposits contain up to 0.5 percent silver, in the form of
silver sulfide or as limited silver in
solid solution; when present, this byproduct far surpasses the main lead ore in revenue. Galena has been used since antiquity, one of its oldest uses being the production of
kohl, an eye cosmetic now regarded as toxic due to the risk of
lead poisoning. In modern times, galena is primarily used to extract its constituent minerals. In addition to silver, it is the most important global source of lead, for uses such as in
lead-acid batteries. This sample of galena, measuring 3.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 2.0 cm (1.38 in × 0.98 in × 0.79 in), contains a small amount of gold-colored
pyrite and was extracted from the Huanzala Mine in the Peruvian region of
Ancash. This photograph was
focus-stacked from 156 separate images.
Photograph credit: Ivar Leidus