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Molybdenite

Molybdenite is a very soft metallic mineral easily confused with graphite.

Chemical Formula: MoS₂

Other names: Molybdenum Sulfide, Molybdic Ochre, Molybdenum Disulfide

Layman's explanation: Molybdenite, or "Moly Ore" as it is sometimes called, is a high luster sulfide mineral. The name molybdenite comes from the greek word molybdos, "lead," as it is often a lead-grey color. It is virtually indistinguishable from graphite, except that molybdenite is only slightly lighter in color, yet heavier in weight. Molybdenite ore is composed of smaller molybdenum ions between layers of more massive sulfur ions. The sulfur layer has a strong bond to the molybdenum, but not to other sulfur layers, hence the softness and perfect cleavage. As the most common molybdenum-containing compound, almost all molybdenum is mined in the form of moly ore.

Keywords: graphite, lead, moly ore, molybdenum, Mineral

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