Galenite (from Latin Galena — "lead ore", "scale"; obsolete lead glitter) is a mineral from the sulfide class, the most important source of lead. It was used to prepare black-gray paints and in mixtures for wall paintings during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The origin is mainly hydrothermal, as well as metasomatic. Often forms large clusters. In the oxidation zone, it is replaced by cerussite (natural lead white).

It is not recommended to mix with lead white, red lead, Naples yellow and lead-tin.

A mineral, lead (II) sulfide. Chemical formula PbS. Synonym: lead glitter. Often contains impurities of Ag, Cd, Se, etc. The main ore of lead.

The color is steel, gray with a bluish tint, sometimes with a variegated tarnish, metallic luster, stepped fracture, brittle.

•Chemical description: Chemical compound - lead sulfide

•Chemical formula: PbS

•Lightfastness - 8

•Alkali resistance: 5

•Lime resistance: 5

•Acid resistance: 5 3 (Galena powder dissolves in a mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, as well as in nitric acid)

•ColorIndex no data

•Lens

•Suitability Acrylic, Oil, Tempera, Watercolor / Gouache

•Form powder

Color Lead-gray

Stripe color Gray-black

Gloss Metallic

Transparency Opaque

Hardness 2.5-3

Cleavage Perfect on {111}

Fracture Stepped

Density 7.4-7.6 g/cm³