Lead molybdate forming thin, brilliantly colored tabular crystals. One of the most colorful and prized collector minerals. Color: Orange, yellow, red, brown. Luster: Adamantine to resinous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Good in two directions. Hardness: 3. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Tetragonal. Chemical formula: PbMoO₄. Specific gravity: 6.5-7.0. Formation: Forms in the oxidation zone of lead-molybdenum deposits by secondary processes. Common geological settings: USA Arizona Red Cloud Mine , Morocco, Mexico, Namibia; found in oxidized lead deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Crocoite, Vanadinite, Mimetite. Specimen safety: Keep this lead-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets.
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.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:34.346705+00:00
Review status
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.
Lead: working safely — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Canadian occupational-health guidance on lead exposure, dust control, hygiene, and safe handling.
Lead molybdate forming thin, brilliantly colored tabular crystals. One of the most colorful and prized collector minerals.
How can you identify Wulfenite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Orange, yellow, red, brown; lustre: Adamantine to resinous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 3; cleavage: Good in two directions; crystal system: Tetragonal; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Wulfenite form?
Forms in the oxidation zone of lead-molybdenum deposits by secondary processes.
Where is Wulfenite commonly found?
USA Arizona Red Cloud Mine , Morocco, Mexico, Namibia; found in oxidized lead deposits.
Is Wulfenite safe to handle?
Keep this lead-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Wulfenite commonly confused with?
Wulfenite may be confused with Crocoite, Vanadinite, Mimetite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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