Molybdite typically occurs as a bright yellow, fibrous, or earthy secondary mineral resulting from the oxidation of molybdenite. It is most commonly found as soft, delicate crusts or tufts in the weathered zones of molybdenum-rich ore deposits.
Is this molybdite?
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 molybdite with a known reference. Molybdite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Molybdite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Molybdite typically shows a silky luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, straw-yellow, canary-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, earthy, pulverulent, or as crusts.
Often confused with
Molybdite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside molybdite
Minerals reported to co-occur with molybdite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂(MoO₄)₃·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 4.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Earthy, Pulverulent, Or as Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenite-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-50 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find molybdite
Classic worldwide localities
- USA (Nevada, Arizona)
- China (Guangdong)
- Russia (Urals)
- Czech Republic (Krupka)
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenite-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where molybdite typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, limonite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, earthy, pulverulent, or as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify molybdite?+
Where is molybdite found?+
How much is molybdite worth?+
What rocks look like molybdite?+
What minerals are found with molybdite?+
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Find molybdite on the map
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