Galena stone is the main raw material for the extraction of lead ore, widely distributed throughout the world. This mineral is used in non-ferrous metallurgy, but a very small part in the form of crystals and cuts is used to create mineralogical collections and jewelry.
Galena has properties similar to other sulfates and sulfides, in particular sphalerite and pyrite, and forms a mineral neighborhood with them.
Galena got its name in ancient times - galena in Latin means lead scale. This name was given by the famous naturalist Pliny - during the Roman Empire, lead was mined from this mineral. Its content in the ore is so high that even in the artisanal conditions of the forges of that time, it was possible to obtain metal of a fairly tolerable quality.
Currently, in addition to lead, galena is a source of a number of polymetals - cadmium, germanium, tantalum, bismuth and selenium. Also, this mineral accounts for a significant share of silver mining.
For its specific appearance with a clearly metallic sheen, galena is also called lead luster. The names paracobelite or johnstonite were also popular earlier.
Spreading
The mineral galena is found in metosomatic and hydrothermal deposits. Galena is one of the most common polymetallic ores, but it is very rare in monometallic form. Much more common are lead-zinc deposits in the form of inclusions or metasomatic deposits in limestones, as well as typical veins and aggregations with other minerals. In the photo in the gallery, you can see an example of how galena interacts with chalcopyrite.
One of the features of this mineral is the high concentration of lead in the rock due to the fact that, during oxidation, the surface of the rock is covered with a crust of another sulfate - anglesite, which prevents the penetration of oxygen into the depths.
Galena occurs in sandstones and limestones as scattered concretions, in voids and veinlets, and can also form from aqueous brines.
There are many deposits of galena in the world:
· Russia - Nerchinsk (Transbaikalia), Sadonskoe (Caucasus), Dalnegorsk (Primorye), as well as Leninogorsk and Belousovskoe (Altai).
· USA - "Three-State" area with the center in Joplin.
· Kazakhstan - deposits in Zhayrem, Mirgalimsai and Achisai, area of ??Karamazar massif.
· Italy - Montevecchio (Sardinia), Mountainous Dossena (Alpine Lombardy), Ribl (Carnic Alps).
· Eastern Europe - Pribram (Czech Republic), Herzhe (Romania) and Madan (Bulgaria).
Application of galena
As a piece of jewelry, galena stone is used extremely rarely, as it is too fragile and very difficult to process. The exception is beautiful cubic crystals of small sizes. Some jewelers set them in precious metals and create interesting collections that are quite popular in high society.
Much more popular are collection samples, which are druses and aggregations of galena with other crystals, or pure crystals. The price for galena is relatively low - a stone about 10x9x5 cm in size will cost about 2,500 rubles, a crystal will cost about twice as much.
Medicinal properties
Obviously, the healing properties of galena are not distinguished, but jewelry and talismans from this stone are recommended to be used as a means of maintaining a good mood, as well as a means of combating depression, hypochondria and melancholy.
Galena is also used by those who want to quit smoking, drinking, or some other addiction.
Some of the folk healers make preparations of their own production based on galena, which have a good general strengthening effect on the human body. But in this case, you should adhere to very precise proportions, otherwise you can get lead poisoning.
magical properties
The magical properties of galena are very strong. This stone is suitable for those who want to achieve success in life - it attracts glory to its owner, strengthens the strength of his spirit, averts troubles from him and helps to cope with life's troubles and difficulties. It also helps to make a decision in a difficult moment, make an important choice, or protects from pride. Jewelry and talismans made of galena are perfect for actors, singers and other representatives of show business.
But this is a very touchy and jealous mineral - he needs to pay special attention and at least a couple of times a week "communicate" with him, sending him positive energy. Otherwise, all its positive qualities will disappear - the stone will “turn away” from its owner.
