Lead sulfide

Description

Lead sulfide is found naturally occurring as metallic crystals called Galena. Galena is the primary source for metallic Lead. When crushed, lead sulfide is a black powder. Lead sulfide can also be made synthetically by reacting a soluble lead salt with Hydrogen sulfide or Sodium sulfide. Lead sulfide is used in ceramic glaze and as a source for the production of Lead sulfate. It is also used as a sensor in infrared detectors.

Synonyms and Related Terms

galena; plumbus sulfide; leaded bisilicate ash; lead sulphide (Br.); sulfure de plomb (Fr.)

Risks

• Toxic by inhalation or ingestion.
• Skin contact may cause irritation or ulcers.
• Carcinogen, teratogen, suspected mutagen.
• Fisher Scientific: MSDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in nitric acid and hot, dilute hydrochloric acid. Insoluble in water.

Composition	PbS
CAS	1314-87-0
Melting Point	1114 C
Density	7.13-7.7 g/ml
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 239.28

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 443

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993 Comment: mp=1114C

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 5445

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_sulfide (Accessed Feb. 2, 2006) - mp=1390K

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979