Properties of Galena

Galena is a lead sulfide mineral with the chemical formula (PbS). It is the primary ore of lead and a significant source of silver. Galena has been mined for lead and silver since ancient times and is found in various geological environments, often associated with other sulfide minerals.

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Image of galena mineral
Credit: Raimond Spekking, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of galena properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Galena Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaPbS
Molar Mass239.27 g/mol
Crystal SystemCubic
Mohs Hardness2.5 - 3
Density7600 kg/m3
ColorLight lead gray or dark lead gray
DiaphaneityOpaque
LusterMetallic
FractureSubconchoidal, brittle
StreakGrayish black
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point1118 °C
Thermal Conductivity2.3 W/m·K
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity6.8×10-8 - 9.0×10-4 Ω·m
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (nD)3.921

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.