Galena - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Galena is a lead sulfide mineral with a metallic luster, often gray in color. It is the primary ore of lead and has been used since ancient times for metal extraction.
Definition:
A gray mineral, the natural sulfide of lead, often used as an ore.
Synonyms:
lead glance, lead sulfide, blue lead
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(No direct antonyms; mineral-specific opposites are rare)
Common Collocations:
galena deposits, galena crystals, galena ore
Derivatives:
galenite, galenoid
Usage Tips:
Use "galena" when referring to the mineral or its industrial applications in lead extraction.
Common Phrases:
(No common phrases or idioms; technical term)
Etymology:
From Latin "galena," meaning lead ore or dross from smelting.
Examples:
- 1. The geologist identified the shiny gray rock as galena.
- 2. Galena is often found alongside minerals like sphalerite and pyrite.
- 3. Miners extract lead from galena for use in batteries.
- 4. The crystal structure of galena makes it easy to recognize.