The facts
What galena actually is
The species behind galena is galena, PbS; it forms in the cubic system.
Metallic conduction band; lead-grey with a bright mirror lustre on fresh cleavage is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a specific gravity of about 7.2–7.6, with perfect cubic in three directions cleavage.
Where galena comes from
Commercial material comes from Galena, Kansas and the Tri-State district, USA, Neudorf, Harz Mountains, Germany, Dalnegorsk, Primorsky Krai, Russia and Madan, Bulgaria.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How galena is treated
Untreated. Cleavage steps and extreme density make it unmistakable. It is lead sulphide — do not use as a drinking vessel inlay, do not sand or grind dry, and wash hands after handling. Fresh cleavages tarnish dull grey within weeks.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What galena is confused with
Watch for Stibnite, Molybdenite, Magnetite and Bournonite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 7.2–7.6, hardness of 2.5, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What galena is used for
The trades that buy galena are mineral collecting, heavy industry and metallurgy. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Galena is 2.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect cubic in three directions cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What galena costs
Expect roughly Specimens $10–$2,000; fine Bulgarian and Russian crystal groups higher, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is galena treated, and how?
Untreated. Cleavage steps and extreme density make it unmistakable. It is lead sulphide — do not use as a drinking vessel inlay, do not sand or grind dry, and wash hands after handling. Fresh cleavages tarnish dull grey within weeks.
Where does galena come from?
Galena, Kansas and the Tri-State district, USA, Neudorf, Harz Mountains, Germany, Dalnegorsk, Primorsky Krai, Russia and Madan, Bulgaria. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is galena hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does galena cost?
Indicatively Specimens $10–$2,000; fine Bulgarian and Russian crystal groups higher. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is galena confused with?
Most often Stibnite, Molybdenite, Magnetite and Bournonite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 7.2–7.6, hardness and magnification.
What is galena used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, heavy industry and metallurgy. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for galena?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about galena