Galena, from Crich Quarry, Derbyshire (No.36)

Galena is the natural mineral form of lead sulphide and it is the most important lead ore mineral for commercial lead production. It may also contain around 2% Silver, in which case the Silver content is far more valuable commercially that the Lead. Galena is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulphide minerals and is found worldwide. It crystallises in the cubic crystal system often showing octahedral forms. It is frequently found associated with sphalerite, calcite and fluorite.