The lead ore is galena or galenite consists of lead sulphide. It is widely distributed. In the manufacturing process, the roasted ore, silica, coke, metallic iron and lime are smelted together in a blast furnace. Lead oxide and sulphate react with iron to form ferrous oxide and sulphate, resulting in the formation of lead. Ferrous oxide in combination with silica forms slag.
Further, the heavy metal formed at the bottom of the furnace is further oxidised in Bessemer’s converter to get pure lead after the removal of impurities.
The properties of lead are as follows:
- It has high metallic lustre when freshly cut.
- Among the common metals, it is the softest and heaviest metal.
- It is highly malleable and can be formed into foils.
- It is least tenacious.
- In hot conditions it may be extruded by a hydraulic press into tubes, rods and wires.
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