Galena (var Plumbeine) BIRUG 1044

Plumbeine is a variety of galena (the principal ore of lead) in which the crystals have pseudomorphically replaced pyromorphite. Chemically galena is PbS or "lead sulphide". Interestingly, galena constitutes one of the oldest forms of cosmetic – known as kohl in ancient Egypt, worn around the eyes to lessen glare from the sun. The etymology of “galena” is poorly known – the same word in Latin referred to lead ore, however no further information is available. The mineral's modern usage is primarily as an ore of lead, but can also be used to create a green pottery-glaze. Its properties as a natural semiconductor have also been used in the recent past as the crystal in early crystal radios. This specimen was digitised using an Artec Spider 3D scanner by Courtney Szanto.