# Molybdenite

Molybdenite is a shiny mineral that looks like silver. It is often found in rocks and has a unique metallic luster that sparkles in the light.

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

![Molybdenite](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Molybdenite_quebec2.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Molybdenite_quebec2.jpg)

## Appearance

The Molybdenite is a soft, bluish-lead gray mineral with a bright metallic luster. It often forms in flaky, layered crystals that can be mistaken for graphite, but its distinct blue tint and heavier feel help identify it.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Ancient people often confused molybdenite with lead and even graphite!
- It feels so slippery, like a pencil lead, but even smoother!
- Molybdenite is a super important source for making extra strong steel!
- Scientists are using tiny layers of molybdenite in future electronics.

## Special abilities

- **Greased Lightning:** Molybdenite has a very soft, slippery texture that makes it an excellent natural lubricant for machines.
- **Conductive Core:** Molybdenite has a unique atomic structure allowing it to conduct electricity, a rare trait for minerals.
- **Layer Slicer:** Molybdenite has weak bonds between its layers, letting it easily cleave into extremely thin, flexible sheets.

## Measurements & details

- **Color Range:** bluish-lead gray, black
- **Hardness:** 1
- **Luster:** metallic
- **Specific Gravity:** 4.75
- **Crystal System:** hexagonal

## Traits

- [Metallic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic): Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
- [Metallic Luster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic-luster): Metallic luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling polished metal, often opaque.
- [Magnetic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/magnetic): Magnetic geological traits refer to minerals or rocks that exhibit natural magnetism, attracting or repelling other magnetic substances.
- [Crystalline](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crystalline): Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
- [Fossil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fossil): A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Molybdenite is safe to observe but should not be ingested or played with as it is a mineral.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Molybdenite?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What colors can Molybdenite be?

bluish-lead gray, black

### How hard is Molybdenite?

1

### What kind of luster does Molybdenite have?

metallic

### What is Molybdenite's specific gravity?

4.75

### What crystal system does Molybdenite belong to?

hexagonal

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Molybdenite: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/molybdenite)