Lead sulfide is a chemical compound made up of lead and sulfur, with the formula PbS. It appears as a black solid and is primarily found in nature as the mineral galena, which is an important ore of lead. This compound is used in various applications, including in the production of semiconductors and as a pigment in paints. Lead sulfide can also be involved in the manufacturing of photodetectors due to its ability to absorb light and convert it into electrical signals. However, it is important to handle it with care due to the toxicity of lead.