molybdatit

Molybdatit is a mineral belonging to the wolframite group, which also includes ferberite and hübnerite. It is a tungsten-bearing mineral, with the chemical formula (Mo,Fe,Mn)S2. The mineral is typically found in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, often associated with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. Molybdatit is named after its primary constituent, molybdenum, which is a transition metal with the atomic number 42.

The mineral exhibits a metallic luster and has a dark gray to black color. It is often found in crystalline form, with well-developed crystals being relatively rare. The hardness of molybdatit on the Mohs scale is approximately 4.5 to 5, making it relatively soft compared to other minerals. The specific gravity of molybdatit is around 4.7 to 4.8, indicating its density.

Molybdatit is of economic interest due to its content of molybdenum, which is a valuable metal used in various industrial applications. The primary use of molybdenum is in the production of high-strength steel alloys, which are used in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries. Additionally, molybdenum is used in the production of catalysts, lubricants, and other specialized materials.

Molybdatit is not considered a rare mineral, but its occurrence is often limited to specific geological settings. The mineral has been found in various locations around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, and Russia. Despite its economic importance, molybdatit is not typically mined for its molybdenum content due to the presence of other, more abundant molybdenum-bearing minerals. However, it remains an interesting mineral for collectors and researchers due to its unique chemical composition and association with other sulfide minerals.