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(c) Mineral Picture courtesy of www.yuprocks.com
Mineral Picture courtesy of www.yuprocks.com

MolybdeniteMoS2

Class: Sulfide
Hardness: 1 - 1.5
Density: 4.6 - 5.1
Streak: Blackish lead-gray
Lustre: Metallic
Habit: Fine/medium grained aggregate. Can feel greasy.
Colours: Silver-bluish

  Crystal System: Hexagonal
Cleavage: Perfect basal
Fracture: Uneven
Magnetism: None
Reaction with HCl: Unknown

Identification in hand sample:
Colour is best indicator. Greasy feel and luster are good as well, as is its relative softness.

Associations:
Occurs in hydrothermal deposits. Also found in pegmatites and in skarn deposits.

Industrial / ecomonic uses:
Primary ore of which molybdenum is mined. Usually alloyed with iron.

  

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