Molybdenite (MoS₂) is the principal ore of molybdenum and one of the softest and most slippery sulfide minerals — its hexagonal layered structure produces a graphite-like feel and a metallic blue-gray sheen. While most molybdenite ends up in industrial hardening alloys, collector specimens with sharp hexagonal tabular crystals are prized, particularly from porphyry copper byproduct mines such as Dexing (Jiangxi) and Climax (Colorado).
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 1–1.5 — among the softest metallic-looking minerals.
- Graphite-like feel: leaves a mark on paper, greasy in the hand.
- Hexagonal tabular crystals; perfect 0001 basal cleavage produces flexible foliated sheets.
- Bluish-gray streak distinguishes it from graphite (which has a black streak).
- Major commercial source of molybdenum and rhenium (a trace byproduct).
Notable Chinese Localities
The Dexing Copper Mine (Jiangxi) is China’s premier source — molybdenite occurs as a porphyry-copper byproduct, completing the Cu-Mo-Au chemistry of the deposit. Yangchaiyu (Shaanxi) and Jinduicheng (Shaanxi) host major Mo-only mines with collector-grade tabular crystals.
Found at these Localities
- Yangla Copper Mine (羊拉铜矿)
- Xiaoqinling Gold Field (小秦岭金矿田)
- Erbutu Molybdenum Mine (二八图钼矿)
- Jinduicheng Mine (金堆城钼矿)
- Dexing Mine (德兴铜矿)
- Jiangxi (江西)
