Galena – Ladywash Mine

Specimens of galena with a high level of purity from Ladywash Mine, Eyam, Derbyshire, UK. Galena is a lead sulphide mineral which is a popular mineral among many, from amateurs to professionals and for varying reasons. Galena is the primary ore of lead, and as such, has had a large impact historically on human history. In general, galena is a bright blue mineral and has a metallic (shiny) lustre and is often reflective, but can dull over time with exposure. It normally forms with a cubic crystal system and as such, when large chunks are broken, it will often break into cubes or certain sides will appear “blocky”. Due to it’s low melting point, galena was easy to smelt and thus played in important role an human industry, being used in a range of item such as lead pipes, building materials, electronics and of course in pencils. These remarkable specimens are ideal for collectors due to their purity with only small amounts of matrix present, samples are available in multiple sizes and supplied in a white card tray with an information label.