Long known, mentioned in Exodus. The alchemists believed lead to be the oldest metal and associated with the planet Saturn.
Native lead occurs in nature, but it is rare.
Anglesite, cerussite, and minim are other common lead minerals. Properties Lead is a bluish-white metal of bright luster, is very soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a poor conductor of electricity. Twenty seven other isotopes of lead, all of which are radioactive, are recognized. Its alloys include solder, type metal, and various antifriction metals. Great quantities of lead, both as the metal and as the dioxide, are used in storage batteries.