Galena
Science & Origin of Galena
Galena is a lead sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the form of masses, cubes, octahedrons, and fibrous layers. Today, it's the most important lead ore when it comes to the production of goods. This mineral was first described back in 77 A.D. by Gaius Plinius Secundus (Pliny the Elder). He named it after the Latin word meaning “lead ore” due to it having been used as a source of lead for multiple different societies. This was due in part to the relatively low melting point needed to smelt Galena. The source of this mineral in ancient times was the island of Sardinia, Italy, although today notable localities stretch across the globe. Some countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are producing the finest Galena specimens to date.
Galena is an important mineral that is commonly found in the United States. It is located among the tri-state area in southern Missouri, northeastern Oklahoma, and southeastern Kansas. Approximately 90% of the United State’s lead supply each year comes out of this very important region. Two former mining towns in Illinois and Kansas thrived on this mineral so much that they renamed their towns after it!
It's very common for other minerals to grow in association with Galena. Some of these minerals are Silver, Copper , Quartz, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Fluorite, Calcite, and Chalcopyrite. These combination stones can range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars because they are unique and aesthetically pleasing.
Historic Uses
Galena has been used throughout ancient times for a variety of different reasons, but it's mainly used for smelting. As stated above, this mineral melts at very low temperatures, making it an easy material to work with. The Ancient Egyptians used to grind Galena up into a powder to rub around their eyes. This was done to reduce the glare from the hot desert sun and to keep pesticides away from their exfoliated faces. In addition the Ancient Romans would smelt down Galena and use it to make both their water pipes and public baths. Not to mention, the Ancient Babylonian and Assyrian people would use it as construction material and build with it. It also found a role in the form of currency as Chinese empires would use Galena to make coins. As described, this mineral is very versatile!
Meaning & Energy
Galena is one of the strongest grounding stones we know of, and we recommend it to anyone who's constantly working towards their goals. Our root chakra becomes open and activated when working with Galena, allowing us to fully ground ourselves down to the earth. Physically, this stone is very dense and heavy, which mimics the vibrations Galena radiates. The energy one feels when working with this stone is very powerful and helps to recharge your internal “battery”. It provides the much needed energy to get long and challenging tasks done. We suggest placing this stone in any workplace, office, meditation or exercise room. Galena will fill the environment with positive energy that can push one into action.
We recommend Galena for those long deep meditative sessions. This stone will provide the energy needed to fully relax, as well as offer up more than enough life force for these experiences. We suggest placing a piece of Galena directly in front of you when meditating, and envision all the energy in the room being siphoned down into the cube. Place your intentions in this cube alongside all of this new found energy. When finished meditating, be sure to carry this stone with you each day going forward. This tiny crystal contains an abundance of energy, as well as your “super-charged” intentions and desires.
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Pronunciation
Hardness
Chemical Formula
PbS
