Guide
Molybdenite specimens for sale
10 for sale · $65–$7,500 USD
38 in the gallery
Molybdenite is a mineral composed of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that crystallizes in a layered, plate-like habit. It typically forms metallic gray to silver-gray sheets with a sub-metallic to dull lustre, often displaying a cleavage that reveals thin, flexible platelets. The material is well known for its slippery feel and low hardness, characteristics that reflect its layered structure and weak interlayer bonding. In hand specimens, Molybdenite commonly appears as platy or foliate aggregates that can be translucent along the edges when cut, and it may take on a slightly bluish or iridescent tinge under certain lighting.
- Formula
- MoS2
- Rarity
- Abundant
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Sulfide; molybdenite group (Strunz 2.EA.30)
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- hexagonal
- Mohs hardness
- 1–1.5
- Specific gravity
- 4.62–4.73
- Luster
- metallic
- Transparency
- opaque
- Color
- gray, black
- Streak
- gray
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- tabular, granular, massive
- Classic / historic
Buy Molybdenite specimens
View all 10Where Molybdenite is found
Top localities
- Wolfram Camp5 specimens
- California Mine3 specimens
- Rico2 specimens
- Climax Mine1 specimen
- Huanggang Mine1 specimen
- Khoroshiv Raion (Volodarsk-Volynskii)1 specimen
- New South Wales1 specimen
- Piaotang Mine1 specimen
- Québec1 specimen
- Sierrita Mountains1 specimen
Guides
All guidesAbout Molybdenite
Notable specimens come from producing locales such as Australia, the United States, Canada, China, and Chile, where hydrothermal activity and sulfide-rich veins provide large, well-formed crystals and expansive platelets. Collectors value Molybdenite for its unique habit and the way sheet crystals can reflect light, creating a distinctive metallic sheen. In polished sections or on matrix, its thin sheets reveal a striking, glassy luster that contrasts with accompanying minerals, making it a desirable piece for display and study alike.
