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Molybdenite
Molybdenite is a popular mineral composed of molybdenum disulfide. [1]
Molybdenite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Molybdenite:- Transparency: Molybdenite is opaque.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, molybdenite is hexagonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, molybdenite is metallic.
- Streak: Molybdenite streaks gray, gray grayish-black or grayish-black.
- Specific Gravity: Molybdenite's specific gravity ranges from 4.6 to 5.1.
Molybdenite: Background and Summary
Molybdenite is a mineral that is known for its metallic luster and silvery-gray color. It is a sulfide mineral that contains molybdenum, which is a metal that is commonly used in the production of steel alloys, lubricants, and various industrial applications. Molybdenite has a hardness of 1-1.5 on the Mohs scale and has a specific gravity of 4.7-4.8. It is commonly found in hydrothermal veins and is often associated with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite and chalcopyrite.To identify molybdenite, one can look for its characteristic metallic luster and silvery-gray color. It often occurs in thin, platy crystals or as massive aggregates. It can be distinguished from other sulfide minerals by its high specific gravity and its ability to leave a dark gray streak on a streak plate. Molybdenite is also known to fluoresce under ultraviolet light, which can aid in its identification.
Molybdenite has a wide range of uses in various industries. One of its primary uses is in the production of steel alloys, where it is added to improve the strength and corrosion resistance of the metal. It is also used as a lubricant in high-temperature applications, as it has a high melting point and is resistant to oxidation. Molybdenite is also used in the production of catalysts, electronic components, and pigments.
Molybdenite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Molybdenite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | MoS2 |
| Chemical Composition | molybdenum disulfide |
| Specific Gravity | 4.6, 5.1 |
| Streak | gray, gray grayish-black, grayish-black |
| Crystallography | hexagonal |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: gray sometimes: silver less common: black, blue |
| Category | sulfide |
Molybdenite: FAQ
Q: Is molybdenite toxic?A: Molybdenite itself is not toxic. However, molybdenum compounds can be toxic in high doses.
Q: Where is molybdenite found?
A: Molybdenite is found in hydrothermal veins and is often associated with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite and chalcopyrite. It is found in various locations around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, and Russia.
Q: Can molybdenite be used in jewelry?
A: Molybdenite is not commonly used in jewelry due to its relatively low hardness and lack of color. However, it may be used as a decorative specimen in mineral collections.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Molybdenite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-2769.html- USGS. (n.d.). Molybdenum Statistics and Information. Retrieved from https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/molybdenum-statistics-and-information
- Molybdenite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molybdenite
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