Galena (lead sulfide) is easy to recognize by its bright lead-grey metallic luster, perfect cubic cleavage in three directions at right angles, low hardness, and notably high specific gravity. Its grey-black streak and weight are diagnostic.
Field identification workflow
- Weigh it in your hand: galena's density is the first thing everyone notices and the last thing lookalikes can fake.
- Break a corner (goggles on): perfect cubic cleavage into bright, right-angled steps.
- Streak lead-grey — darker and flatter than sphalerite's pale surprise.
- Wash your hands afterward; it is a lead mineral and the sheet means that literally, not legalistically.