Molybdenum sulfide and the principal ore of molybdenum. Has an extremely low coefficient of friction, used as a dry lubricant. Color: Lead-gray with bluish tinge. Luster: Metallic. Streak: Bluish-gray. Cleavage: Perfect basal. Hardness: 1-1.5. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Hexagonal. Chemical formula: MoS₂. Specific gravity: 4.62-4.73. Formation: Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins and porphyry molybdenum-copper deposits. Common geological settings: China, USA Climax, Colorado , Chile, Peru; found in granite-associated deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Graphite, Galena, Stibnite.
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Sources, scope & corrections
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:58.272311+00:00
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Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Molybdenum sulfide and the principal ore of molybdenum. Has an extremely low coefficient of friction, used as a dry lubricant.
How can you identify Molybdenite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Lead-gray with bluish tinge; lustre: Metallic; streak: Bluish-gray; Mohs hardness: 1-1.5; cleavage: Perfect basal; crystal system: Hexagonal; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Molybdenite form?
Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins and porphyry molybdenum-copper deposits.
Where is Molybdenite commonly found?
China, USA Climax, Colorado , Chile, Peru; found in granite-associated deposits.
What is Molybdenite commonly confused with?
Molybdenite may be confused with Graphite, Galena, Stibnite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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