Galena

Galena is the main source of lead and is a very soft mineral.

Chemical Formula: PbS

Other names: Lead sulfide

Layman's explanation: Galena is believed to have been mined since 5000 B.C. The Greeks mined the mineral for the lead that it contained. However, today galena is an important part of the mining in the United States, mined in states such as Missouri, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Australia, Canada, England, France and Mexico are the countries that produce galena. Galena is the most important source of lead, as the main component of galena is lead sulfide, PbS. It also contains silver and other metals; hence, galena is exploited for the production of silver, as well.

Keywords: lead, soft

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