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How to Refine Galena

Galena is a naturally occurring form of lead sulfide, with the formula PbS. It is lead-gray in color with a metallic luster and is mainly found in crystal or massive form as lumps and veins within country rock. Refining and smelting are two key stages in the conversion of ore to metal and, prior to smelting to produce lead, galena must be refined to remove impurities such as rock and gangue minerals.

Things You'll Need

Safety goggles
Dust mask
Safety gloves
Geologist's hammer
Rock chisel

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the surface of the galena, looking for areas that do not exhibit a lead-gray color with a metallic luster. If such areas are discovered, don your safety goggles, strong gloves and a dust mask. Rest the galena on a solid surface where it can be firmly held.
- 2
  Use a hammer or a hammer and rock chisel, to gently dislodge all the areas on the surface that do not match the characteristics of galena. Galena is brittle and fractures readily along crystal boundaries so it is often easier to strike the galena just behind the impurity rather than hitting the impurity itself.
- 3
  Clean your work area. Collect together the discarded pieces of rock and other minerals and put them to one side.
- 4
  Strike the galena with the flat face of the hammer and continue to strike it until the sample is reduced to pieces about the size of peas. Remove any pieces that are not shiny, gray and metallic. The galena is now refined and ready to be processed for smelting.

Rocks & Minerals