Galena & Pyrite on Matrix | Greystone Quarry, Cornwall

Specimen Description

A striking natural mineral specimen featuring Galena and Pyrite from Greystone Quarry, Lezant, Cornwall.

This beautiful piece showcases a combination of metallic silver-grey galena and golden, brass-coloured pyrite distributed throughout a contrasting pale crystalline matrix.

The galena exhibits a distinctive metallic lustre, while the pyrite introduces flashes of warm gold across the specimen. Small crystalline surfaces catch the light from different angles, revealing the intricate relationship between the minerals.

With its natural textures, contrasting colours and unmistakably metallic character, this specimen is a wonderful example of Cornwall's mineralogical diversity.

About the Minerals

Galena

Galena is a lead sulphide mineral (PbS) and the principal ore of lead. It is recognised by its metallic silver-grey colour, high density and characteristic cubic cleavage.

Galena forms in various geological environments, including hydrothermal mineral veins, where mineral-rich fluids deposit sulphide minerals within fractures and cavities.

Pyrite

Pyrite is an iron sulphide mineral (FeS₂), commonly known as Fool's Gold because of its distinctive brass-yellow metallic appearance.

It occurs in a wide range of geological settings and frequently forms alongside other sulphide minerals, including galena.

The combination of these minerals produces a beautiful contrast between cool silver-grey and warm golden metallic tones.

Mine History & Heritage

Greystone Quarry is situated near Lezant in eastern Cornwall, an area associated with Cornwall's varied geological formations and historic mineral extraction.

Cornwall has a long history of mining and quarrying, with its mineral wealth playing an important role in the region's industrial development.

Although Cornwall is particularly renowned for tin and copper mining, its geological environments also contain numerous other minerals, including lead and iron sulphides.

This specimen is supplied with Greystone Quarry provenance, connecting it to Cornwall's wider mineralogical heritage.

Locality attribution is based on the supplied specimen information. The individual extraction date and historical collection details have not been independently verified.

Intention & Chakras

In traditional crystal practices, galena is associated with grounding, stability and personal reflection, while pyrite is associated with confidence, protection and motivation.

• Galena: Grounding, stability and balance.
• Pyrite: Confidence, protection and determination.
• Associated Chakra: Root Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra.

These associations are spiritual traditions rather than scientifically established properties.

Shape Symbolism

As a natural, unpolished mineral specimen, this piece retains its irregular geological structure.

Raw minerals are traditionally associated with authenticity, connection to the Earth and appreciation of nature in its original form.

Specimen Details

• Minerals: Galena and Pyrite
• Chemical Formulas: PbS and FeS₂
• Locality: Greystone Quarry, Lezant, Cornwall, England
• Formation: Natural mineral specimen
• Colour: Metallic silver-grey, brassy gold and white
• Weight: 120g
• Dimensions: Approximately 63.6mm × 45.7mm
• Finish: Natural, unpolished
• Quantity: One individual specimen

You will receive the exact specimen photographed.

Care & Safety

Galena contains lead. This specimen is intended for display and collection purposes only. Avoid creating dust, wash hands after handling and keep away from children and pets. Do not place in drinking water, crystal elixirs or aquariums.

Sources & References

• Mindat.org – Mineralogical reference database for galena, pyrite and mineral localities.
• British Geological Survey – Geological information and resources covering Cornwall and British mineral deposits.
• Cornwall Heritage Trust – Background information on Cornwall's historic landscape and industrial heritage.