Major ore of lead and silver Specimens Galena is a common and popular mineral for rock hounds. Its characteristic cubes, distinctive cleavage and high density make it easy to identify and a favorite in high school geology labs. The structure of Galena is identical to that of halite, NaCl. The two minerals have the same crystal shapes, symmetry and cleavage. The large volume of Galena that is processed for lead produces enough Silver as a by product to make Galena the leading ore of Silver.
Color is lead to silver gray sometimes with a bluish tint.
Luster is metallic to dull in weathered faces. Transparency crystals are opaque. Spinel twinning is possible forming flattened crystals. Also massive and granular. Cleavage is perfect in four direction forming cubes.