Lead Ore: Any of several minerals from which Lead is extracted. The primary ore is galena or Lead sulphite PbS. This is unstable, and on prolonged exposure to the atmosphere it oxidizes into the minerals cerussite PbCO3 and anglesite PbSO4. Lead ores are usually associated with other metals, particularly silver which can be mined at the same time and zinc, which can cause problems during smelting.
The Sulfide Mineral, Galena, a Lead sulfide, PbS, is the most important ore mineral of Lead. It can contain 86% Lead. Its metallic, Lead-gray cubic crystals (isometric system) and cubic, perfectly cleavable masses are distinctive and characteristic. Hardness is 2.5, streak Lead gray, and specific gravity 7.4-7.6. Galena is a widespread mineral deposited by hydrothermal solutions as large, irregular masses in dolomitize limestone and in zones of contact metamorphism and as veins in volcanic rocks. It often contains enough silver to be mined as a silver ore.
One of the oldest uses of galena was as kohl, which, in Ancient Egypt, was applied around the eyes to reduce the glare of the desert sun and to repel flies, which were a potential source of disease.
Galena is the primary ore of lead, which is mainly used in making leadacid batteries; however, significant amounts are also used to make lead sheets and shot. Galena is often mined for its silver content, e.g., at the Galena Mine in northern Idaho.
Specifications:
Pb Content 60% Minimum PbO 0.66% Ash 0.042%, S 15%, Size - Lumpy
