Lead

Lead is very resistant to corrosion and relatively abundant and cheap, so it was used from antiquity in lead pipes, drains and acid-bearing containers.   It is strengthed by the addition of antimony and other metals.   Alloys of lead include solder, printer's type metal, cable covering, and anti-friction metals.   Large amounts of lead and lead oxide are used in the manufacture of batteries.   Lead is a good sound and vibration absorber and a radiation shield for X-ray equipment and nuclear reactors.   Lead oxide is used in "crystal glass" for its beauty and in "flint glass" with a high index of refraction for achromatic lenses.   White lead, PbCO₃, sublimed white lead, PbSO₄, chrome yellow, PbCrO₄, red lead, Pb₃O₄, and other lead compounds were extensively used in paints, but these compounds and lead anti-knock gasoline, have been eliminated because of their deleterious health and environmental effects. ^{Lide 4-16}

Lead is an ancient metal.   It is obtained mainly from galena, PbS, by roasting.   Other ores are anglesite, PbSO₄ and cerussite, PbCO₃. ^{Lide 4-16}