Metals & Alloys · common
Lead
Lead is a very dense, soft, dull gray metal. It may appear in weights, shielding, old pipes, fishing sinkers, bullets, solder, or native lead specimens.
Also known as: Native lead, Lead weight, Lead sinker, Pb.
Lead properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Pb |
| Mohs hardness | 1.5 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Lead gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 11.34 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Bluish gray, Dark gray, Dull silver |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Lead is refined mainly from galena ore and cast or worked into dense, low-melting metal products.
Lead was widely used historically in pipes, pigments, weights, type metal, solder, and shielding before its health hazards were better controlled.
How to identify Lead
- Look for a very dense dull gray metal.
- Lead is soft enough to scratch more easily than many metals.
- Fresh scratches may look brighter silver before dulling.
- Old weights, sinkers, bullets, and shielding can be lead.
Full Lead identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Lead vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Lead.
Where Lead is found
Lead is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Lead worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $10 |
| Premium specimen | $80+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Weights
- Radiation shielding
- Old pipes
- Fishing sinkers
- Solder and type metal
Interesting facts
- Lead feels unusually heavy for its size.
- Fresh lead can look silvery, but it quickly dulls to bluish gray.
- Lead is toxic, so unknown dull gray weights or old metal pieces should be handled carefully.
Care & safety
Lead can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Avoid lead exposure. Lead is toxic. Do not sand, cut, chew, heat, or handle dusty lead with bare hands; wash hands after contact.
Lead FAQ
What is Lead?
Lead is a very dense, soft, dull gray metal. It may appear in weights, shielding, old pipes, fishing sinkers, bullets, solder, or native lead specimens.
How much is Lead worth?
Entry-level Lead specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $10, and premium pieces for $80 or more. Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
How hard is Lead?
Lead has a Mohs hardness of 1.5. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
What is Lead used for?
Lead is used for weights, radiation shielding, old pipes, fishing sinkers, and solder and type metal.
