Lead has been around since the times of Exodus. Alchemists believed that lead was the oldest metal and associated it with the planet Saturn.

Native lead does occur in nature however, it is rare. It is mainly obtained from galena (PbS) by a roasting process. Leads common minerals are anglesite (PbSO4), cerussite (PbCO3) and minim (Pb3O4).

Lead is a bluish-white metal of brighter lustre, it is very soft, highly malleable, ductile and a poor conductor of electricity. Lead has a face-centred cubic crystal structure, leading to its malleability, but does become hard and brittle on repeated melting because of the formation of oxides. Its surface oxidises easily however, and it is then very resistant to corrosion. Lead is soluble in nitric acid, but is not in sulphuric or hydrochloric, and is considered one of the most stable of metals.

Natural lead is a mix of four stable isotopes: 204Pb (1.48%), 206Pb (23.6%), 207Pb% (22.6%) and 208Pb (52.3%). Isotopes of lead are end products of each three series of naturally occurring radioactive elements. Those being 206Pb for the uranium series, 207Pb for the actinium series and 208Pb for the thorium series. Twenty-seven (27) other radioactive isotopes of lead are recognised.

Lead has a high capacity for the capture of neutrons and gamma rays and is often implemented as radiation shielding.

Lead is highly toxic and therefore poses a health hazard. Inhalation of dust and fumes should be avoided. It should not be used in contact with food, foodstuffs, or drinking products.