Wulfenite (PbMoO₄) is a lead-molybdate mineral famous for its bright orange, yellow, and red square tabular crystals. The most prized Wulfenite specimens — saturated honey-orange paper-thin tablets from Red Cloud Mine (Arizona) and Mibladen (Morocco) — are among the most photographed minerals in collector literature. China hosts modest Wulfenite occurrences at Yongping (Jiangxi).
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 2.5–3 — soft and fragile.
- Adamantine to resinous luster on faces.
- Tetragonal symmetry; thin square tablets are the signature collector habit.
- Color saturation depends on chromium / iron substitution.
- Forms in the oxidation zone of lead deposits associated with mimetite, vanadinite, and pyromorphite.
Notable Localities
Red Cloud Mine (Arizona, USA) and Mibladen (Morocco) produce world-class material. Yongping Mine (Jiangxi) is China’s notable source. Tsumeb (Namibia) yields rare gem-quality crystals.
Found at these Localities
- Mibladen Mining District (米布拉登铅矿区)
- Dundas Mineral Field (丹达斯矿区)
- Tsumeb Mine (楚梅布矿)
- Mina Ojuela, Mapimí (马皮米奥胡埃拉矿)
- Yongping Mine (永平铜矿)
- Jiangxi (江西)
- Imiter Mine (伊米泰尔银矿)
