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wulfenite
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wulfenite A sample of wulfenite, a mineral displaying good crystal form, from Mexico.
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Basalt sample returned by Apollo 15, from near a long sinous lunar valley called Hadley Rille. Measured at 3.3 years old.
(Bed) Rocks and (Flint) Stones
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wulfenite
wulfenite

wulfenite

mineral
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History

wulfenite, lead molybdate, PbMoO4, a minor source of molybdenum and the second most common molybdenum mineral. It occurs in the oxidized zone of lead and molybdenum deposits. Fine crystals have been found at Příbram, Czech Republic; Yuma County, Ariz., U.S.; and Mapimi, Durango, Mex. Other localities include Germany, Austria, Sardinia, and Australia.

Wulfenite ordinarily crystallizes as thin, beveled, square plates that have a resinous to adamantine lustre, and they are yellow to orange in colour. The Mohs hardness is 3; specific gravity, 6.5–7; and crystal system, tetragonal.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.