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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals K-O |
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Molybdenite |
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Name
Molybdenite
Chemistry
MoS2 (Sulphide)
Uses
Used in the manufacture of special steels and electronics
Color-
Bright lead grey
Hardness
1 - 1.5
Specific gravity
4.6 - 4.7
Crystal system:
Hexagonal. crystal habit:- hexagonal, tabular crystals
Accompanied by:
scheelite, wolframite, topaz, fluorite cassiterite, quartz, bismutite, arsenopyrite
Luster
Metallic
Cleavage
Perfect basal cleavage
Streak
Green to bluish-grey
Similar to:
Graphite and specularite
The name stems from the Greek word " molybdos ", that means "lead."
Molybdenite ( MoS2 ) is the primary ore for molybdenum , which is used in high pressure greases or as a dry lubricant.
Molybdenite forms interesting crystals which makes it attractive to mineral collectors. Molybdenite's structure is composed of molybdenum ions sandwiched between layers of sulfur ions.
The sulfur's layers are strongly bonded to the molybdenum, but are not strongly bonded to other sulfur layers, hence the softness and perfect cleavage.
It is soft enough to leave a mark on paper and fingers.
Its greasy feel is due to its extreme softness. Molybdenite or "Moly Ore" as it is sometimes called, is a very high luster mineral and can be an interesting mineral to add to a collection.
