Mineral Ores: Galena vs Pyrite

What are the chemical formulas of Galena and Pyrite?

Compare their chemical formulas by writing down one similarity and one difference between these two minerals.

Chemical Formulas of Galena and Pyrite

The chemical formula of Galena is PbS, where Pb stands for lead and S for sulfur. The chemical formula of Pyrite is FeS2, with Fe representing iron and S for sulfur.

Similarity and Difference:

One similarity between Galena and Pyrite is that they are both sulfide ores. One difference is that Galena is lead ore while Pyrite is iron ore.

Details on Galena and Pyrite Chemical Formulas

Galena and Pyrite are both important mineral ores found in the Earth's crust. Galena is a lead ore with the chemical formula PbS, while Pyrite is an iron ore with the chemical formula FeS2.

Galena is a sulfide of lead, meaning it is composed of lead and sulfur elements. On the other hand, Pyrite is a sulfide of iron, containing iron and sulfur components.

Both Galena and Pyrite have different specific gravities, with Galena being denser than Pyrite. Despite being sulfide ores, they have distinct properties and uses.

Pyrite exhibits magnetic properties when heated, while Galena is a nonmagnetic mineral. This difference in magnetic behavior is one of the key distinctions between the two minerals.

While both Galena and Pyrite are semi-conductors, they are utilized for different purposes due to their unique properties and compositions.