Galena
ExploreMineral
Galena
Galena is a shiny mineral that looks like silver. It is often found near lead deposits and has been used by people for thousands of years to make shiny objects.
Appearance
The Galena is a shiny, lead-gray mineral often forming perfect cube-shaped crystals. Its bright metallic luster can make it look like polished silver, distinguishing it from duller rocks.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Rare
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians ground galena into a powder to make their dark eye makeup.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek word for 'lead ore'!
Sometimes, galena crystals hide tiny bits of sparkling silver inside them!
This super-heavy mineral was used by early prospectors to find other valuable ores.
Special abilities
Ability
Radio Receiver
Galena is a natural semiconductor, allowing it to detect radio waves in early crystal radios.
Ability
Heavy Metal Shield
Galena is packed with lead, making it incredibly dense and effective at blocking harmful radiation.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- lead-gray, silvery
- Hardness
- 2.5
- Luster
- metallic
- Specific Gravity
- 7.5
- Crystal System
- isometric
Traits
Metallic
Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
Metallic Luster
Metallic luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling polished metal, often opaque.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Also known as
Lead GlanceLead Ore
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Galena is a mineral and not safe to touch or ingest. Always wash your hands after handling minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Galena be?
lead-gray, silvery
How hard is Galena?
2.5
What kind of luster does Galena have?
metallic
What is Galena's specific gravity?
7.5
What crystal system does Galena belong to?
isometric
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
