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 Post subject: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 8:00 am 
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Hi,i found in ebay sush a stone as galena.How rare and precious is galena as jewelry stone?


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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 9:07 am 
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Location: Rome, Italy
hi,

Galena is NOT a gemstone.
ciao
alberto

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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 9:37 am 
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Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:11 pm
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Location: Moncton, Canada
Galena is lead sulphide, the primary ore of lead, crystallizes in the cubic system, has a pronounced cubic cleavage. Fresh surfaces have a bright metallic lustre which dulls rapidly to a velvety dark grey, almost black. If you were to use it in jewelry you'd get serious attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. As a lead compound it counts as a hazardous material.

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Hans Durstling
Moncton, Canada

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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 1:22 pm 
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Thanks for answer.I asked,because the stones in ebay looks cut like yewelry gemstones usually.Thanks for warning.


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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 1:47 pm 
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I also find in ebay galena pendant and bracelets - all dangerous staff ? How they can sell it ?


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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 3:25 pm 
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Well...*dangerous* is a value judgement. I work with lead all the time. Yet imported toys with lead in them get quickly removed from sale, old lead paint gets scraped off by remediation crews wearing breathing protection. Is galena *dangerous*? Not to me it isn't. But I wouldn't want young kids chewing on a galena necklace.

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Hans-D

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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:52 pm 
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I would imagine it would be more hazardous for those cutting it than those wearing it, no?


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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:54 pm 
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Good point Barbra, it sure as hell would be.

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Hans-D

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 Post subject: Re: Galena
PostPosted: Wed May 04, 2011 12:22 pm 
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I went and looked and Lead Sulfide has the same or similar health risks as Lead Oxide. So inhalation or ingestion exposure is a risk. The dose makes the poison though. And the reason I looked is that just because a compound has a toxic element, does not make that compound toxic. Sodium releases hydrogen from water and is hot enough to make it catch fire. But the ocean is full of sodium choloride and the sea life can't live without it. :)

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