molybdites

Molybdites is not a defined mineral species in current mineral nomenclature. In some older or less formal sources, the plural term molybdites has been used loosely to refer to minerals that contain the molybdate group (MoO4) or to compounds of molybdenum with oxygen. In modern mineralogy, minerals are named individually, so the use of a general label like molybdites is uncommon and can be misleading.

When used in reference to molybdate minerals, the term would describe compounds in which molybdenum is in a hexavalent state (Mo6+) bonded to oxygen in tetrahedral MoO4 units, with a variety of cations balancing charge. Well-known molybdate minerals include wulfenite (PbMoO4) and powellite (CaMoO4). These minerals exhibit a range of colors and occur in different crystal systems depending on their composition and structure.

Occurrence and properties are best understood by examining the specific mineral name rather than a collective label. Molybdate minerals form in oxidation zones of molybdenum-bearing ore deposits and in some hydrothermal environments. They are typically identified by a combination of chemical analysis, optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction to determine their exact composition and crystal structure.

Identification cautions: because molybdites is not an established standard name, it is important to verify the exact mineral identity using authoritative sources. When encountering the term, refer to the particular mineral species (such as powellite or wulfenite) to avoid ambiguity. See also molybdate minerals and molybdenum mineralogy.