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 (one direction)
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.65
Colorslead-gray, bluish-gray, silvery-white
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityClimax, Colorado, USA
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesore of molybdenum, lubricants, catalysts, pigments
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, pyrite, fluorite, scheelite
Raritycommon
Description
Molybdenite typically appears as soft, lead-gray to bluish-gray metallic flakes or tabular crystals, often resembling graphite in appearance.
Geological Context
It commonly forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins, porphyry molybdenum deposits, and contact metamorphic deposits, frequently associated with granitic intrusions.
