Molybdenite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameMolybdenite
Chemical FormulaMoS2
Mohs Hardness1
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black to dark gray
Cleavageperfect basal on {0001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.65
Colorsbluish-lead gray, metallic gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWolfram Camp, Dimbulah, Mareeba Shire, Queensland, Australia
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of molybdenum, lubricant, catalyst, pigment
Associated Mineralsquartz, scheelite, fluorite, wolframite, chalcopyrite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays Molybdenite as silvery-gray, metallic, flaky crystals, characteristic of its hexagonal crystal system. The individual flakes are often flexible and can be easily scratched.
Geological Context
Molybdenite typically forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and porphyry copper deposits. It is often found in association with granitic intrusions.
