Galena - description and types of stone, magical and healing properties, price

Ornamental

Galena is a mineral from the sulfide class, the most important source of lead, more than 80% of the mineral consists of it, so it is quite heavy. The stone can be identified by its high density, metallic luster and medium hardness.

History and origin

This mineral is formed as a result of rock sediments; it contains inclusions of carbonic acid. Today, galena is mined from the ore bed in vast quantities. It can also be found in any quartz vein. The origin of the stone is associated mainly with the hydrothermal method.

Galena received its name in 1838, thanks to the German mineralogist V.F. Kobbel. Translated from Latin, this stone means lead ore, so it is often called poisonous.

Other stone names:

  • Svinchak - those minerals that have a matte sheen are called.
  • Quirogite - stones with a special distorted appearance.
  • Castillite is a mineral that contains Zincum or Argentum sulfides.
  • Richmondite - minerals that are a mixture of faded ore with sphalerite.
  • Plumbomangite - galena, which is a mixture with ore minerals.

In the process of weathering, galena forms lead and ore. Under the influence of heat and groundwater, together with oxygen, it becomes covered with a brown coating. The mineral has a cubic structure and a fracture in the form of a shell. The stone is completely opaque; in the process of oxidation, it quickly loses its silver luster.

REFERENCE! Galena has a high electrical conductivity.

Place of Birth

This stone is mined everywhere.

mineral

Among the richest territories, the following can be distinguished:

  • Canada;
  • Russia;
  • Mexico;
  • Poland;
  • Czech;
  • Romania;
  • Italy;
  • Bulgaria;
  • Kazakhstan;
  • Australia;
  • North and South Africa;
  • USA.

The stone is most often found in solid masses, but it can also form individual cubic crystals. With an impressive blow, the mineral splits in certain directions and breaks into small cubes.

Physical and chemical properties of the stone

Property Description
Formula PbS
Impurity Ag, Cd, Se
Hardness 2,5 - 3
Density 7,4 - 7,6 g / cm³
Syngonia Cubic
Kink Stepped
Cleavage Perfect by {111}
Brilliance Metal
Transparency Opaque
Color Lead gray

Varieties and colors

The main color of galena is lead. However, other shades can be found in nature:

  • pink,
  • Gray,
  • green,
  • yellow,
  • brown,
  • blue.
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Applications

Around the world, galena is known as the main supplier of lead (even despite its toxicity). It is actively used in various areas of life.

The main production is the isolation of galena itself and each substance individually from its impurities, as well as the manufacture of jewelry. The mineral is difficult to process, but serves as a good insert into precious metals. Silver, selenium and zinc can be extracted as by-products from galena.

In the chemical industry, the mineral is used in the manufacture of battery plates, household appliances and electrical equipment. Lead obtained from galena is used in the manufacture of coins and water pipes.

galena

Medicinal properties

Several significant studies have been carried out on this subject. Scientists have concluded that galena has no medicinal properties. However, our ancestors believed that stone crystals help their owner to cheer up and gain vitality.

In any case, as a preventive measure, it can be used in the following situations:

  • to raise vitality and get rid of depression;
  • in the fight against insomnia;
  • with poor appetite and, conversely, overweight;
  • to relieve inflammatory symptoms;
  • with poor blood clotting;
  • against drug addiction;
  • with distraction and severe headache.

REFERENCE! In the old days, the healing power of galena was used as a remedy that gave a pregnant woman the strength to bear a healthy baby and give birth easily. However, today this method is no longer used.

Such a mineral was even insisted, for this it was poured with water. People believed that the resulting tincture was able to overcome skin diseases, abdominal cramps and spasms. And pounded into powder, galena was popular in cosmetology (for example, as a deodorant).

Since lead, which is part of galena, is very toxic and has the ability to accumulate in the body, if possible, it is still replaced with harmless minerals.

Magical properties

Modern esotericists and magicians actively use galena in their activities. Even in ancient times, the properties of restoring mental strength began to be attributed to the stone. In order for a person to have energy for creativity, it was enough just to attach the treasured pebble first to the head, and then to the heart. The magical effect could be felt literally in 15 minutes.

  • If you hold galena for a while in your hands, all problems will be solved much faster.
  • With the help of the mineral, according to experts, you can get rid of the most harmful habits - smoking, alcohol addiction.
  • Galena has the ability to “follow” the secret thoughts of its owner: he will not allow him to change his own principles or commit a rash act.
  • It is good to have a stone for those people who require constant introspection and philosophical thinking. It is also necessary for those who constantly crave fame.
  • The mineral is endowed with the ability to process negative energy into positive emotions.
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stone

REFERENCE! Galena has the ability to be offended and upset if the owner does not pay enough attention to him. A mineral, like a living person, is able to acutely feel insincerity. And if this happens, the stone will refuse to help its owner.

Jewelry with mineral

Galena is used in small quantities to create jewelry. It's all about its fragility and complex processing. Inserts from such a gem can be found in earrings, pendants or bracelets.

Jewelry care

Care must be taken when cleaning jewelry with stones. Hot water, soap suds and perfume will be harmful to galena. Excess moisture and dirt can be easily removed from the mineral if it is rubbed with potato starch.

How to wear

Galena can be used in all kinds of jewelry. But even a simple stone that looks like a cobblestone has a unique power. It can be considered a real amulet.

  • A ring in the form of a ring with such a mineral will add perseverance and determination to a person. The owner of the ring will always do only what he sees fit, it is almost impossible to convince him of something.
  • A necklace with galena will help its owner find the right path in any matter - whether it is a professional task or a discrepancy in personal life.
  • Earrings with such a mineral should be worn by that woman who lacks self-confidence.

Stone cost

Galena has not received wide demand as a piece of jewelry, so it cannot boast of a high price. Its cost is estimated at about 8 euros apiece. On the Internet you can find a variety of stone samples for sale.

pebble

How to distinguish from fakes

Nowadays, the market is so filled with jewelry that it is sometimes quite problematic to buy a product with natural stone. Sellers of such goods often do not know themselves that they are selling only an imitation of natural stone.

Forgeries come in many forms; conditionally they can be divided into the following groups:

  • imitations (usually made of artificial materials and painted to match the color of the stone, they are trying to ennoble them in various ways: calcination, radioactive radiation, filling cracks);
  • artificial compounds (they are completely created by man and have no analogues in nature);
  • synthetic stones (analogues of stones created by man that can be found in nature).
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Astrological Compatibility

Astrologers are sure that everyone without exception can have this stone in their collection - the zodiac sign does not play a role here. This is especially true for Taurus and Capricorn, but on Scorpio, the activity of the stone becomes less noticeable. Mineral does not like proud people.

("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):

Zodiac sign Compatibility
Aries +
Taurus + + +
Gemini +
Cancer +
a lion +
Virgo +
Scales +
Scorpio +
Sagittarius +
Capricorn + + +
Aquarius +
Pisces + + +
  • Aries. It is good if the stone passed to the representative of the sign by inheritance or was given as a gift from friends. In this case, the magical abilities of galena increase.
  • Calf. The stone will reward its owner with strength, inexhaustible energy; will drive away melancholy and protect from evil spells.
  • Twins. Galena will especially help those people who themselves make every effort to achieve their cherished goals.
  • Cancer. In representatives of this sign, the stone awakens concentration and purity of the soul.
  • A lion. Galena promotes the development of internal energy and gives its owner self-confidence.
  • Virgo. For Virgo, galena will be a real stone of joy, which is able to cheer up and increase emotional intensity.
  • Scales. Next to this sign, the mineral is filled with strong energy; he is responsible for the emotional component.
  • Scorpion. Galena brings good luck in rare cases. If you still have such a stone, try to make sure that no one knows about it.
  • Sagittarius. These people need the mineral for a concentrate of energy that instills confidence in a person.
  • Capricorn. The gem will protect from bad love and unworthy deeds.
  • Aquarius. The stone will have a good effect on a weak and insecure person.
  • Fish. You can wear galena regularly - as a talisman. It will help to make happy changes faster, and also lead out of the impasse.
Quite a large number of galena deposits are known in the world. Most often they are limestones and sandstones. The stone is rich in inclusions of precious metals (such as silver and gold). Galena likes to be treated with respect. Otherwise, it can even be harmful to health: this is due to increased toxicity.