This week’s MOTW is….Molybdenite! This molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is a soft (1-1.5) mineral with a metallic lustre. The structure of Molybdenite is composed of Molybdenite ions sandwiched between layers of Sulfur ions. Although there is a strong bond between the Sulfur and Molybdenum ions, the bonds between other Sulfur ions is weak. This results in a perfect cleavage exhibited in Molybdenite whereby individual crystals often exhibit tightly packed metallic sheets which can be prised apart much in the same way as seen in micas. Some spectacular associations of Molybdenite, wolfram and quartz crystals have been recovered from Australia, with the more notable localities being Kingsgate dist., Deepwater (NSW) and Wolfram Camp, QLD. I would love to see what you have from these localities, and would be even more excited to see what you have recovered from other localities across Australia. Don’t forget to post the pictures in the album! I’ll start the ball rolling with this rather crappy (Sorry, photographed this years ago) of one of the more exceptional specimens I’ve encountered of Molybdenite rosettes with associated quartz from Deepwater, NSW.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 05:22:26 +0000
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