Molybdenite
Molybdenum
Sulfide
MoS2
Molybdenite
is a very soft metallic mineral. It can be easily confused with
graphite, but not with many other minerals. Graphite has a darker
black-silver color and a black-gray to brown-gray streak, whereas
molybdenite has a bluish-silver color and streak. Unfortunately, the
difference is so slight that it is recommended that the two minerals
be seen side by side. Their respective streaks should also be observed
side by side to appreciate the differences. If larger samples, free of
host rock, are available, then the greater density of molybdenite can
be used for identification.
Molybdenite's structure is composed of molybdenum ions sandwiched
between layers of sulfur ions. The sulfur's layers are strongly bonded
to the molybdenum, but are not strongly bonded to other sulfur layers,
hence the softness and perfect cleavage. It is soft enough to leave a
mark on paper and fingers. Its greasy feel is due to its extreme
softness. Molybdenite or "Moly Ore" as it is sometimes
called, is a very high luster mineral and can be an interesting
mineral to add to a collection.
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