Molybdenite (molybdenum pyrite) is a mineral found in granites, greisens, quartz veins, and sometimes in pegmatites. It is the main raw material for the production of molybdenum. In the form of impurities, it may contain selenium and rhenium, which are also mined from molybdenite. It is a semiconductor. Due to this property, it is used in the radio-electronic industry. It is also used for the production of lubricants.
You can see molybdenite stone for sale and buy it in the Minerals of Russia online store.
General | |
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Category | Sulfide mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) |
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) |
IMA symbol | Mol |
Strunz classification | 2.EA.30 |
Crystal system | Common, 2H polytype: hexagonal 3R polytype: trigonal |
Crystal class | 2H polytype: dihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm) 3R polytype: Ditrigonal pyramidal (3m) |
Space group | 2H polytype: P63/mmc 3R polytype: R3m |
Unit cell | 2H polytype: a = 3.16 Å, c = 12.3 Å; Z = 2 3R polytype: a = 3.16 Å, c = 18.33 Å; Z = 3 |
Identification | |
Color | Black, lead-silvery gray |
Crystal habit | Thin, platy hexagonal crystals terminated by pinacoidal faces, also as tapering six-sided pyramids that can be truncated by the pinacoids. Also massive, lamellar and in small grains in sulfide ore bodies |
Cleavage | Perfect on [0001] |
Tenacity | Lamellae flexible, not elastic |
Mohs scale hardness | 1–1.5 |
Luster | Metallic |
Streak | Bluish gray |
Diaphaneity | Nearly opaque; translucent in thin flakes |
Specific gravity | 4.73 |
Pleochroism | Very strong |
Fusibility | Infusible (decomposes at 1185 °C) |
Other characteristics | It has a greasy feel and leaves marks on fingers |