Galena

Scientific

Galena is a lead sulfide (PbS) mineral that is the world’s primary ore of lead and is mined throughout the world.  Galena is easy to identify as freshly broken pieces exhibit perfect cleavage in three directions that intersect at 90 degrees. It has a distinct silver color and a bright metallic luster that tarnishes to a dull gray. Because lead is a primary element in galena, the mineral has a high specific gravity (7.4 to 7.6) that is immediately noticed when picking up even small pieces. Galena is soft and can be easily scratched.  Silver can sometimes substitute lead in the atomic structure of the molecule, but it disrupts the crystal structure.  This disruption often causes galena to have curved cleavage faces. This tiny bit of knowledge can be a powerful prospecting tool. In addition to silver, galena can contain minor amounts of antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, copper, and zinc. Sometimes selenium substitutes for sulfur in galena.

Galena is easy to smelt, simply place it in a fire and collect the lead after the fire has burned out. Archaeologists have found lead beads and statues dating from about 6500 BC, making it probably the first metal to have been processed from ore.  Both Greeks and Romans were able to separate silver from lead, quite efficiently.

Use

Egyptians made lead sculptures and included lead compounds in their pottery glazes.  Chinese used lead to forge coins, and the Greeks applied lead as a protective covering on ships hulls because of its corrosion resistant properties.  Lead compounds are still used for this purpose today.  Romans used lead to create piping, line baths, and numerous other uses.  In the middle ages it was used as roofing material, and when mixed with tin made an alloy called pewter which was used to make mugs, plates, cutlery and other items.  It was the ideal material for making bullets, and to use as a solder. Because of its corrosion resistance it was in widespread use in the 20th century, resulting in widespread lead poisoning. Once this was recognized lead has been phased out of much of its original uses, and today the primary use of lead is in lead-acid batteries which consumes about 80% of current production.  About one half of lead production today comes from recycled material.

Meaning

Galena is known for its spectacular grounding properties and its ability to stimulate the process of alchemical self-transformation. It is an ideal stone for taking one on a journey to the underworld, the necessary exploration for retrieving the lost parts of the soul.  It is able to balance your life in all aspects and on all levels.