Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
hexagonalcommonSulfides
Molybdenite
MoS₂
The image displays a cluster of silvery-gray to lead-gray, metallic, flaky crystals, characteristic of molybdenite, often showing a slightly bluish tint.
Molybdenite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1.5Crystal System
hexagonalLuster
metallicStreak Color
bluish-gray to greenish-grayCleavage
perfect basal (0001)Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
4.7Colors
lead-gray, bluish-gray, silvery-whiteTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Kingsgate, Gough County, New South Wales, AustraliaMineral Group
SulfidesUses
ore of molybdenum, lubricant, catalyst, pigmentAssociated Minerals
quartz, scheelite, fluorite, chalcopyrite, pyriteRarity
commonGeological Context
Molybdenite typically forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and porphyry molybdenum deposits. It is the primary ore mineral for molybdenum, often found in granitic intrusions.
