Chemical details

Lead as pure metal is highly resistant to many acids such as, for example, sulphuric, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid. On the other hand, it dissolves in nitric acid and acetic acids. Lead reacts in heat with non-metals such as oxygen and sulphur.

Uses

Lead is mainly used in production in the automotive industry. The metal is also used in the chemicals industry. The best-known fields of use are batteries, followed by lead combinations with glass, ceramics and plastics.

History

Lead was already known in Egypt and the Middle East in 3,000 BC. In the Roman Age lead was used for vessels, seals and water lines. At the time of the industrial revolution lead then became one of the most important non-ferrous metals and was used in the chemicals industry.

Occurrence

Lead is found in its natural metallic form and in minerals. It is one of the element minerals. The main minerals for lead extraction are galenite (lead glance and lead sulphide) as well as cerussite and crocoite. The main lead mining areas are China, Russia, Australia and Canada.

Product range

Refined lead, pure lead in bars, both in various grades and provenances.