Galena

Introduction: Galena means 'lead ore', from the Latin. There are many small lead-zinc/base metal deposits that contain this mineral in Namibia. It is steel-grey in colour. Lead is used as a petrol additive, although unleaded is now more widely used due to the pollution it causes. It is also used to make ammunition, as an additive in pesticides and in brass and bronze alloys.

Distribution: Ai-Ais Mines in southern Namibia, Rosh Pinah Mine, Abaneb West and it occurs 20km north-west of Grootfontein on the farm Olifantsfontein.

Composition: Sulphide

Crystal system: Cubic

Lustre: Metallic

Streak: Grey

Hardness: 2.5