Galena is a lead sulfide mineral that is the primary source of lead and silver. It is also known as lead glance.
Properties
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- Color: Lead-gray metallic color
- Crystal structure: Cubic, octahedral, or complex combined forms
- Density: High density, making it feel heavier than its size
- Hardness: 2.5–2.8 on the Mohs scale
- Cleavage: Cubic, but can change depending on other elements present
- Luster: Metallic luster that can tarnish over time
Uses
- Lead: Galena is the primary source of lead, which has been used to make coins, bullets, batteries, televisions, and computers
- Silver: Galena is an important source of silver
- Eye makeup: Galena was used in powdered form in ancient Egyptian eye makeup
- Galena radios: Galena crystals were used as diodes in galena radios
Safety
- Galena is toxic and contains lead, so you should wash your hands after handling it
- Avoid inhaling the dust when breaking down the mineral
History
- Galena has been mined for thousands of years
- The Babylonians used lead to record inscriptions on plates
- The Romans used lead for tablets, water pipes, coins, and cooking utensils
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