Galena Crystal Specimens #2 Galena is the natural mineral form of lead sulfide with a distinct silver color and a bright metallic luster. Galena is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulfide minerals. It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system often showing octahedral forms. Galena is the most common mineral containing lead, and has been well-known throughout the centuries. many crystals are found somewhat in-between octahedral or cubic-octahedral crystal forms, resulting in bizarre and interesting shapes. Galena specimens may tarnish in time, becoming dull in luster. Freshly cleaned specimens exhibit a strong metallic luster, but over time the luster turns more dull, while still metallic. The tarnish can be removed by scrubbing the specimen with water and mild soap. Some Galena may contain up to 1% silver!. The large volume of Galena that is processed for lead produces enough Silver as a product to the leading ore in Silver. Galena specimens must be taken care of more so then other minerals. They are easily damaged, and well formed crystals may shatter into small crystal fragments if put under slight pressure or dropped, so care should be taken when handling and transporting Galena specimens.
