Galena
Galena
Galena (/ɡəˈliːnə/ gə-LEE-nə) is the natural mineral form of lead(II) sulfide (PbS). It is the most important ore of lead and an important source of silver.
Etymology
The name Galena is derived from the Latin galena, a name originally given to lead ore.
Description
Galena is a lead gray color, with a bright metallic luster and cubic or octahedral crystal forms. It is brittle, with a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, and has a specific gravity of 7.4 to 7.6. Galena is often associated with the minerals sphalerite, calcite, fluorite, and quartz.
Uses
Galena is used as a source of lead for batteries, and also in the production of ammunition, radiation shielding, and in the manufacture of X-ray and television screens. It is also used in the production of silver, as it often contains small amounts of this metal.
Related Terms
- Lead: A heavy, malleable, ductile, bluish-white, dense metallic element, extracted chiefly from galena and used in containers and pipes for corrosives, solder and type metal, bullets, radiation protection, paints, and antiknock compounds.
- Silver: A lustrous white, ductile, malleable metallic element, occurring both uncombined and in ores such as argentite, having the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of the metals.
- Sphalerite: A mineral, essentially ZnS, that is the principal ore of zinc.
- Calcite: A common calcium carbonate mineral that occurs in various forms and colors.
- Fluorite: A mineral, calcium fluoride, CaF2, occurring in crystals and in masses, and also in commercial deposits of fluor spar.
- Quartz: One of the most common minerals, silicon dioxide, SiO2, having many varieties that differ in color, luster, etc., and occurring either in masses or crystals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Galena
- Wikipedia's article - Galena
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