Molybdenite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameMolybdenite
Chemical FormulaMoS2
Mohs Hardness1
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-gray to black
Cleavageperfect basal (one direction)
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.7
Colorssilvery-gray, bluish-gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityMoly Hill mine, La Motte, Abitibi RCM, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, Canada
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesore of molybdenum, lubricant, catalyst, pigment
Associated Mineralsquartz
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a large, lustrous, silvery-gray to bluish-gray hexagonal crystal of molybdenite embedded in a matrix of white to translucent quartz.
Geological Context
Molybdenite typically forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and contact metamorphic deposits, often associated with granitic intrusions. It is the primary ore mineral for molybdenum.
