Question

Galena is an important mineral of _ _ _ _ _ _ .

Answer 1

Hint: An attempt to this question can be made by determining the structure of the compound present in galena. Now determine the compound that can be extracted feasibly. Based on this you can understand the mineral that can be possibly obtained by refining the ore and thus answer the question as well.

Complete Solution :
- Galena also referred to as lead glance is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulphide minerals. It is observed that the mineral crystallises in a cubic crystal system exhibiting octahedral forms. It is often associated with ores like calcite, fluorite and sphalerite.
- Galena to a large extent consists of the compound lead sulphide. Lead sulphide when exposed to refining methods, the mineral obtained is Lead.
From the above statements we can conclude that galena is an important mineral of lead.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Additional Information. One of the oldest uses of galena can be in the eye cosmetic, kohl. It is said that in Ancient Egypt, the ore was applied around the eyes in order to reduce the glare of desert sun and to repel flies.
Galena was used for decorative purposes in the Kincaid Mounds in present-day Illinois.

Note: Although lead is extracted from galena, at times silver is extracted from the ore as well. An example of silver extraction from galena can be seen at the Galena Mine in northern Idaho.