Molybdenite
Image: Islam90 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameMolybdenite
Chemical FormulaMoS₂
Mohs Hardness1
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorbluish-gray to greenish-gray
Cleavageperfect basal on {0001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.65
Colorssilvery-gray, lead-gray, bluish-gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread, notable localities include Climax, Colorado, USA; various places in Canada, Norway, China.
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of molybdenum, lubricant, catalyst, pigment
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, pyrite, scheelite, wolframite, fluorite
Raritycommon
Description
Molybdenite is a soft, silvery-gray metallic mineral, often appearing in flaky or platy aggregates, visually similar to graphite. The microscopic image shows a polished section with numerous scratches and some darker inclusions, characteristic of a soft, metallic mineral under normal light.
Geological Context
Molybdenite typically forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and porphyry molybdenum deposits. It is commonly found in association with granitic and pegmatitic rocks, often as an accessory mineral.
