Hexamolybdenum is a rare iron-molybdenum alloy mineral found as microscopic inclusions within platinum group metal deposits. It typically presents as small metallic grains and is only identifiable through sophisticated analytical techniques like microprobe analysis.
Is this hexamolybdenum?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch hexamolybdenum with a known reference. Hexamolybdenum sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hexamolybdenum leaves a grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hexamolybdenum typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains, inclusions in platinum group minerals.
Often confused with
Hexamolybdenum vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hexamolybdenum is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 4-4.5); streak differs — Hexamolybdenum leaves grey, Platinum leaves steel-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hexamolybdenum leaves grey, Rutheniridosmine leaves gray.
Often found alongside hexamolybdenum
Minerals reported to co-occur with hexamolybdenum. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mo₃Fe
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 10.0-10.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Grains, Inclusions in Platinum Group Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hexamolybdenum
Classic worldwide localities
- Koryak-Kamchatka fold belt (Russia)
- Urals (Russia)
- Sudbury Basin (Canada)
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where hexamolybdenum typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, cooperite, sperrylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains, inclusions in platinum group minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hexamolybdenum?+
Where is hexamolybdenum found?+
How much is hexamolybdenum worth?+
What rocks look like hexamolybdenum?+
What minerals are found with hexamolybdenum?+
What kind of rock does hexamolybdenum form in?+
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Find hexamolybdenum on the map
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