ABC of mining
Galena
Chemical Formula
PbS
Chemical Class
Sulfides
Properties
Extremely thick, metallic and glossy, it presents an interesting perfect cubic cleavage.
Origin
Tiros, MG.
Curiosities
It is a mineral that became famous for radio wave reception capacity, enabling the manufacturing of the device known as ‘galena radio'. Lead is one of the oldest metals used by humans, and several primitive applications have endured through the centuries. It was known by the ancient Egyptians, that used it more than eight thousand years ago.
Use
It is the main lead source. As lead is the sixth metal with the highest industrial utility, its main use is in car battery manufacturing and electric power accumulators, and it is also used in welds, boards, piping, glasses and as paint pigment.
Source: MM Gerdau - Museu das Minas e do Metal -
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