Galena - Ore of Lead
Galena is a dense mineral with a metallic lustre. This piece is covered on one side with calcite crystals.
Galena commonly occurs with calcite.
This primary ore of lead is a chemical compound of lead and sulphur. Galena contains trace amounts of silver. Galena from certain localities can contain as much as 2% pure silver.
This mineral's bright metallic lustre is prone to tarnish which can be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Galena is a soft metal that grades 2.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It's also brittle, so must be handled carefully.
Handling clean galena poses little to no risk despite being an ore of lead. Lead cannot be absorbed through the skin. However, galena would be hazardous if ingested or if its dust was inhaled.
In ancient Egypt, galena was used to protect the eyes from the sun and to repel flies. It was also mixed with other ingredients to make a cosmetic called kohl.
