Lead sulfide is a chemical compound with the formula PbS. It is a black solid that occurs naturally as the mineral galena, which is an important ore of lead. Lead sulfide is primarily used in the production of lead and in various applications such as infrared detectors and photovoltaic cells. In addition to its industrial uses, lead sulfide is also studied for its semiconductor properties. It can conduct electricity under certain conditions, making it useful in electronic devices. However, due to the toxicity of lead, handling and disposal of lead sulfide must be done with caution to avoid environmental contamination.