Molybdenite
Molybdenite is a sulfide mineral known for its striking metallic crystals, with several world-class Chinese localities.
About Molybdenite
Molybdenite belongs to the sulfide class in the molybdenite group and has the chemical formula MoS2. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and is relatively soft, requiring careful handling. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Molybdenite typically forms foliated, scaly, platy hexagonal flakes; massive; lamellar; disseminated. Its color is typically lead gray with bluish tint. The luster is metallic, the streak is greenish gray (on paper — leaves a gray-green mark, diagnostic!), and specimens are typically opaque. The cleavage is perfect on {0001} — eminent basal cleavage. The fracture is not applicable (cleavage dominates), which aids identification.
Collector context
How it forms
The geological setting for Molybdenite is typically pneumatolytic and hydrothermal veins; contact metamorphic zones (greisens); disseminated in porphyry molybdenum and porphyry copper-molybdenum deposits. It is commonly found in association with quartz, wolframite, scheelite, pyrite, fluorite, topaz, chalcopyrite.
Classic Chinese localities
**Dexing Cu-Mo-Au ore field** is an important Chinese source for the species.
Why collectors care
Molybdenite is among the most visually dramatic sulfides and native metals a collector can own. Bright metallic faces, sharp crystal geometry, and good matrix contrast make a single well-selected piece carry an entire cabinet; luster integrity and termination sharpness ultimately define its collector value.
What affects value
Value in Molybdenite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) crystal size; (3) termination quality and crystal completeness; (4) metallic luster integrity (absence of tarnish); (5) crystal habit elegance (parallel, radiating, or bladed); (6) matrix contrast and aesthetic balance; (7) condition and absence of re-attached crystals. Verified locality documentation and absence of cleaning residue act as strong multipliers across the above.
Naming history
The name Molybdenite has a specific etymological and historical context — see Mindat's reference entry for provenance details. We have retained naming data at the record level; published prose is paraphrased from factual fields rather than copied from source.