Molybdenite

Introduction: Molybdenite is usually recovered from quartz veins and pegmatites. Its presence is also found in porphyry copper deposits and in some granites. It is named from the Greek molybdos meaning 'lead' an early misidentification between lead, graphite and molybdenite.

Distribution: Found in a number of geological deposits around the country including the Onganja Copper Mine 65km north-east of Windhoek, the Natas Mine, Haib copper deposit, Rosh Pinah, Tsumeb and Klein Spit.

Composition: Sulphide

Crystal system: Hexagonal

Lustre: Metallic

Streak: Greenish

Hardness: 1.1-5