Galena is a lead sulfide mineral composed of 86.6% lead and 13.4% sulfur. It often forms when waters cool suddenly or through other physical and chemical processes. In the United States, significant galena deposits are found in the Mississippi Valley region as well as the Rocky Mountain states of Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Galena is used as a lead ore and for its radiation shielding properties, and often exhibits a cubic crystal structure with a dull gray color and metallic luster.

1. Galena
By Kylie

2. PbS
• Pb(Lead)-1
• 86.60 %
• S (Sulfur)-1
• 13.40 %

3. Formation
• Sometimes forms because the waters are suddenly
cooled.
• There are several other physical or chemical
processes that can also cause the formation of
galena from hydrothermal fluids.

4. Found
• In the United States Galena is found in the
Mississippi Valley.
• Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin all have
significant deposits.
• The Rocky Mountain States of Colorado, Utah,
Idaho, and Montana also have significant
deposits.

5. Uses
• Lead ore
• Mineral specimens and used as a shied against
radiation

6. Interesting Facts
• Galena most often has a cubic crystal form.
• It is a soft mineral about 2.5 on the Mohs
Scale.
• The color ranges from silvery to dull gray with
a dull gray-black streak and a metallic luster.

7. Sources
• http://www.rocksandminerals4u.com/galena.
html
• http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qi
d=20100126063601AAqHkDf
• http://webmineral.com/cgi-
bin/search/search.pl?sitesearch=&Terms=gale
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