Forty-nine different sphalerite and galena samples from seven lead-zinc deposits (Daliangzi, Tianbaoshan, Huize, Fule, Shanshulin, Qingshan and Niujiaotang) in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in this study. The results indicate that sphalerite is characterized by enrichment of Ge and Cd, while galena has a very low content of Ge. Through investigation of these literatures, a possible reason is proposed that the electron beam may pierce other minerals with a high content of Ge during the analyzing process of galena by using electron microprobe.