Galena Ore of Lead

A heavy mineral with a metallic lustre.  This piece is covered on one side with a layer of calcite crystals.  Galena often occurs with calcite. 

This primary ore of lead is a chemical compound of lead and sulphur.  It's an important source of silver and galena from certain localities can contain as much as 2% pure silver.

The bright metallic lustre is prone to tarnish.  For this reason we recommend it be kept in a cabinet.  The galena can be wiped occasionally with a soft lint-free cloth.

Galena is a soft metal which grades 2.5 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness.  It's also brittle so must be handled carefully. 

Despite being an ore of lead handling clean galena poses little to no risk.  Lead cannot be absorbed through the skin.  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 as well as to repel flies.  It was also mixed with other ingredients to make a cosmetic called kohl.