Introduction: native lead is a rare mineral globally. It has been found in metamorphosed limestones and marbles, and in addition has been reported from placer deposits, where it occurs with other heavy minerals.

Occurrence in Wales: Sowerby (1817) described the presence of native lead from Golch Rake near Holywell in Clwyd while Forbes (1867) noted that Readwin had reported native lead with gold from the Dolgellau Gold-belt. Neither occurrence has since been confirmed. In general, caution is required in the case of native lead. It can be found in areas where lead-smelting took place: in early mining times such smelters were sited conveniently close to the source of the ore (galena) so that metallic lead might occur due to spillages or in smelter slags and part-smelted ores. While lead metal is common in heavy mineral concentrates in many rivers, including those of the Dolgellau Gold-belt, it is present in the form of hunter's shot or fishermen's weights which naturally find their way into areas where heavy minerals are concentrated.

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