Galena (disambiguation) facts for kids
Galena is a very important mineral. It is the main source of the metal lead. You can find galena in many places around the world.
Galena can also be the name of different places or things, like:
- Places in the United States:
- Bodies of water in the United States:
- USS Galena, which were ships in the United States Navy.
- Ivax Pharmaceuticals, a company that used to be called Galena.
What is Galena the Mineral?
Galena is a shiny, gray mineral. It often looks like a cube or an octahedron (a shape with eight faces). It is made of lead and sulfur, so its chemical name is lead sulfide.
Where is Galena Found?
Galena is found in many places where there are veins of metal ores. It often grows with other minerals like sphalerite, pyrite, and calcite. Large deposits of galena are found in countries like the United States, Australia, and China.
How is Galena Used?
The main use for galena is to get lead. Lead is a heavy metal used in many things, like car batteries, weights, and some types of radiation shielding. In the past, galena was also used to make kohl, an ancient eye cosmetic.
Images for kids
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A robot, symbolizing technology where lead from galena might be used.
