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)
hexagonaluncommonSulfides
Molybdenite
MoS2
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.
Molybdenite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1Crystal System
hexagonalLuster
metallicStreak Color
greenish-black to dark grayCleavage
perfect basal on {0001}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
4.65Colors
bluish-lead gray, metallic grayTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Wolfram Camp, Dimbulah, Mareeba Shire, Queensland, AustraliaMineral Group
SulfidesUses
primary ore of molybdenum, lubricant, catalyst, pigmentAssociated Minerals
quartz, scheelite, fluorite, wolframite, chalcopyriteRarity
uncommonGeological 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.
