cubic Sulfides
Galena
Formula PbS
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Galena
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Cubic with minor octahedral truncation
cubic[m3m]:{100}@1.0 + {111}@0.3
cubic
m3m
{100} {111}
Quick Facts
Hardness
2.5
Specific Gravity
7.4
Optical Character
Isotropic
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- cubic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Specific Gravity
- 7.4
- Cleavage
- Perfect {100} (three directions at 90 degrees)
- Fracture
- Subconchoidal (rarely seen due to perfect cleavage)
- Lustre
- Metallic (brilliant when fresh)
Optical Properties
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Pleochroism
- None
Characteristics
Colours
Lead-greySilver-grey (fresh)Dull grey (tarnished)
Localities
Missouri (USA - Tri-State district)England (Pennines)Australia (Broken Hill)MexicoPeruGermany
Crystal Forms
cubeoctahedroncubo-octahedron
Notes
Opaque mineral; exceptionally high SG due to lead content; toxic - wash hands after handling
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
