Galena (PbS)
Definition
Lead(II) sulfide: the principal ore of lead, a grey-black metallic mineral used as the traditional pigment in kohl eye cosmetics for thousands of years. Contains 86.6% lead by mass in the pure mineral form. Natural galena deposits are associated with antimony-bearing minerals (stibnite, Sb2S3), giving traditional galena kohl dual lead and antimony toxicity.
- Chemical formula
- PbS, lead(II) sulfide
- Lead content
- 86.6% by mass in pure mineral
- Traditional use
- Kohl eye cosmetic pigment
- Associated toxin
- Antimony, from co-occurring stibnite deposits
Common questions
Why does traditional kohl carry a dual heavy-metal exposure risk?+
Natural galena ore is commonly found alongside antimony-bearing minerals such as stibnite, so kohl made from unrefined galena can introduce both lead and antimony to the user, compounding the toxicological burden beyond lead alone.
How is galena-based kohl distinguished analytically from other black cosmetic pigments?+
Elemental analysis such as XRF or ICP-MS identifies the characteristic high lead content and often detectable antimony or sulfur signature of galena, distinguishing it from carbon-based kohl or synthetic iron-oxide black pigments that carry different toxicological profiles.
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