Mineral Species: Galena

Chemical Formula: PbS

Chemical Name: Lead Sulphide

Mineral Class: Sulphides

Mineral Notes: Galena is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulfides. It is the main ore of lead and frequently contains valuable amounts of Silver and occasionally Zinc.

Description: An elongated matrix on which sit four Galena crystals. The largest is approximately 2cm across and shows some quite interesting surface zoning. Below it is a small cube showing the habit rather well. To one side is an interpentrated twin. The Galena has a grey colour and in some places there is a thin covering of white lead oxide. Surrounding the cubes are small crystals of yellow quartz.

Location: Allenheads Mine, Cumbria, England.