USGS MRP Coloring Page Galena

USGS Mineral Resources Program coloring page for the mineral galena and the critical mineral lead.

The mineral galena, chemical formula PbS, is the main ore for the critical mineral lead. Fun fact: galena is easily identified. It breaks into cubes, is soft (about as hard as a fingernail), and it has a high specific gravity which means even small pieces are heavy.

Most lead is used for lead-acid vehicle batteries. Lead is also used in ammunition and to make glass and ceramics. Lead sheets are used to block radiation (like during medical imaging).

Pictures is a sample of galena with broken surfaces forming cubes.

For more information:

[1] About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals | U.S. Geological Survey

[2] Kropschot, S.J., and Doebrich, J.L., 2011, Lead—Soft and easy to cast: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2011–3045