Wulfenite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameWulfenite
Chemical FormulaPbMoO4
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemtetragonal
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {011}
Fracturesubconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.5
Colorsorange, yellow, brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityTsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
Mineral GroupMolybdates
Usescollector, minor-ore
Associated Mineralsduftite, malachite, azurite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features numerous tabular, orange-brown to yellowish-orange wulfenite crystals scattered across a matrix largely covered by a vibrant, mossy-green mineral, likely duftite.
Geological Context
Wulfenite is a secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits. It forms through the alteration of primary lead and molybdenum minerals in arid or semi-arid environments.
