Galena

Galena is the naturally occurring mineral form of lead sulfide (PbS), usually metallic gray and highly dense. It was ground into a dark pigment for historical eye cosmetics.

Lead sulfide: Lead sulfide is the inorganic compound PbS, occurring naturally as the mineral galena. Galena is the mineral form of this compound.
Kohl: Kohl is a dark cosmetic applied around the eyes in many historical and contemporary cultures. Galena was one of several minerals used to make dark eye cosmetics.
Hydrothermal mineral deposit: A hydrothermal mineral deposit forms when hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through rock and precipitate minerals. Galena commonly forms as these fluids cool and deposit lead sulfide.
Stibnite: Stibnite is antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃), a soft gray mineral historically used in cosmetics and medicines. It provided a dark cosmetic pigment similar in appearance to powdered galena.
Sulfide mineral: A sulfide mineral is a naturally occurring compound of sulfur with one or more metals or semimetals. Galena belongs to this mineral class because sulfur is bonded to lead.
Eye cosmetics in ancient Egypt: Eye cosmetics in ancient Egypt included dark powders applied around the eyes for cosmetic, ritual, and protective purposes. Galena-bearing powders are among the materials studied in Egyptian cosmetic remains.
Mississippi Valley-type deposit: A Mississippi Valley-type deposit is a lead-zinc ore body formed by basin-derived fluids in carbonate rocks. These deposits are major sources of galena and other lead ores.
Hematite: Hematite is iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), a common mineral ranging from metallic gray to earthy red. Unlike galena, hematite is an iron oxide and often produces red pigment.
Cubic crystal system: The cubic crystal system has three equal axes intersecting at right angles. Galena’s cubic crystal structure produces its characteristic cleavage into blocky shapes.
Lead smelting: Lead smelting extracts metallic lead from lead-bearing ores through heat and chemical reduction. Galena is the principal ore used to produce lead.

Linked from 9 pages