How to identify Native Lead

To correctly identify Native Lead (Pb), check each of these features in order. Many rocks and minerals look alike, so cross-reference multiple properties before deciding.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Color

   Overall color and any zoning or banding

   Freshly broken surfaces are silvery-white to bluish-gray, quickly tarnishing to dull gray or black upon exposure to air.

2. 2

   Luster

   How the surface reflects light: metallic, vitreous, dull

   Metallic on fresh surfaces, dull to earthy on tarnished surfaces.

3. 3

   Texture

   Grain size and surface feel: coarse, fine, glassy

   Very soft and malleable, can be easily scratched with a fingernail and leaves a streak on paper.

4. 4

   Crystal Form

   Shape of visible crystals or crystal faces

   Typically occurs as irregular masses, flakes, scales, or dendritic aggregates. Rarely forms cubic or octahedral crystals.

5. 5

   Cleavage

   How it breaks: flat cleavage planes vs irregular fracture

   No true cleavage, but exhibits an imperfect parting.

6. 6

   Geological Environment

   The rock formation and setting where it occurs

   Hydrothermal veins, altered lead-bearing mineral deposits (e.g., galena), and occasionally in metamorphic rocks or meteorites. Requires highly reducing conditions for formation.

Key Facts

Hardness

1.5 (Mohs scale)

Specific Gravity

11.34 g/cm³

Crystal System

Cubic (isometric)

Color

Silvery-white to bluish-gray on fresh surfaces, rapidly tarnishes to dull gray or black.

Luster

Metallic on fresh surfaces, dull to earthy on tarnished surfaces.

Transparency

Opaque

Fracture

Hackly

Cleavage

None, but exhibits imperfect parting.

Composition

Pure Lead (Pb)

Physical characteristics

• Crystal Habit: Typically massive, granular, flaky, dendritic, or as small irregular grains. Rarely forms distinct cubic or octahedral crystals.
• Cleavage Type: Absent, but may show imperfect parting along cubic planes.
• Fracture Type: Hackly (jagged, sharp, and irregular fractures, typical of malleable metals).
• Tenacity: Sectile (can be cut with a knife) and malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking).
• Luster Type: Metallic

Explore Native Lead