Galena with sphalerite nodules

Specimen Summary

Galena is the main ore mineral for lead. Because of its relatively low melting temperature, it can be easily smelted and has been used as a source of lead since ancient times. Galena has a cubic crystal system and can often be found as cubes or octahedra. Its shiny grey metallic lustre and heavy, dense nature make it easy to recognize. Galena often contains small amounts of silver, which add to its economic value.

Sphalerite is the main ore mineral for zinc, and although relatively common, finding it in commercial amounts is somewhat rarer. The zinc will give the mineral a yellow or red hue, but iron can replace the zinc in the atomic structure, making the crystals black. Rarely, cobalt finds its way into the structure, and produces green crystals.

Specimen Data

 

The information listed below relates to the current holding location or collection that the sample is from, and whether the item is viewable at that location or is part of a private collection. Coordinates are given as guides, and we remind you that collecting specimens from these locations is not allowed. Caution is advised visiting such sites and Below BC assumes no responsibility for any injuries or trespassing charges that may occur as a result of the viewer entering these sites.

Collection Details

Original Collection:

Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre (RM)

Sub Collection:

-

Collection ID:

RM_18

Virtual Museum ID:

19-RM18

Accessibility:

Date Added to VM:

2019-06-09

Location Information

Sample Origin:

(?) Black Angel, Greenland

Specific Site:

-

UTM Easting:

440225

UTM Northing:

5436566

Datum:

11 (NAD 83)

Coordinate Accuracy:

Specimen Details

VM Category:

Mineral

Primary Features:

Galena with sphalerite nodules

Primary Mineral Formula:

PbS · (Zn,Fe)S

Primary Category:

sulphide

Secondary Features:

Calcite with quartz

Advanced Geological Information

 

The following section provides geological data relating to the specimen or the site it was collected from, when available. Information has been obtained from various sources including private and government datasets but may not be up to date. Any geological time periods or ages listed often relate to the primary geology of the area, and may not be the actual date of an event such as mineral formation.

Geological Formation:

N/A

Geological Period:

N/A

Stratigraphic Age:

N/A

Geological Belt:

N/A

Geological Terrane:

N/A

Minfile ID:

N/A

Minfile Link:

N/A

Site Details:

N/A

Additional Images