Galena is the primary ore mineral of Lead. Worked for its lead content as early as 3000BC, it is found in ore veins with Sphalerite, Pyrite and/or Chalcopyrite, and in Sedimentary rocks as beds or impregmentations. The crystals are bright when fresh but often receive a dull tarnish after exposure to air.
Classification of Galena
IMA status:
Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
There is no specific data on health dangers or toxicity for this mineral, however you should always treat mineral samples as potentially toxic/dangerous and use sensible precautions when handling them.
References for Galena
Bedarida F.(1965) Osservazioni su fenomeni di sfaldatura in cristalli di galena. Periodico di Mineralogia – Roma pp. 337-354.
Franzini M., Troysi M., Cecchini A.(1984): La microdurezza della galena e le sue variazioni in funzione della temperatura. Rend. Soc. It. Min. Petr., 39, 717-723.
