Galena is a common mineral and an important ore mineral for extracting lead. It is the most widely distributed lead mineral

Galena is a common mineral that is a sulfide with a metal (lead) to sulfur ratio of 1:1. Galena (PbS), a mineral of the galena group, with an equiaxed crystal system and space group Fm3m, can also contain up to 1% silver. Galena often has a cubic crystal shape, and the aggregates are usually granular or dense blocks. Lead gray, stripe gray black, metallic luster, hardness of 2.5, three groups of extremely complete cleavage, with weak conductivity and good detection. In ancient China, it was called Caojie Lead, and as early as the Shang Dynasty or even earlier, relatively pure lead could be refined from lead ore. Mainly a mineral of hydrothermal origin, it almost always coexists with sphalerite and is easily weathered into lead alum and galena on the surface. Galena is formed in metamorphic rocks and volcanic sulfide deposits, often mixed with copper deposits. Galena can also be formed in coral reef limestone and dolomite limestone. It is the most widely distributed lead mineral and the most important mineral raw material for extracting lead.

Galena often contains silver, and China has been extracting silver from silver bearing galena since ancient times. Galena has a sodium chloride crystal structure. Lead gray in color, with strong metallic luster, Morse hardness of 2.5, specific weight of 7.5, and complete cubic cleavage. Crystals are in the form of cubes, sometimes in the form of aggregates of octahedra and cubes Aggregates often form granular and dense blocks. Mainly hydrothermal minerals, almost always coexisting with sphalerite. Galena is prone to weathering into lead alum and galena on the surface. The most famous production areas of lead-zinc mines in China are Jinding in Yunnan, Fankou in Guangdong, and Xitie Mountain in Qinghai. The largest production area is New Missouri in the United States, with lead reserves alone reaching 30 million tons. In addition, Cornwall in the UK, Freiberg in Germany, and Broken Hill in Australia are also famous. Galena is the main mineral for extracting lead. The most important lead mineral. Silver can be extracted when it is rich in silver.