Molybdite
MoO3IMA symbol: Mybredefined
Molybdite is an oxide or hydroxide mineral with the formula MoO3, crystallizing in the orthorhombic system. It has a Mohs hardness of 1-2, typically white or yellow in color, with an adamantine or earthy luster, a specific gravity of 4.49-4.5. Its streak is white.
Photos
Crystallography
| Crystal system | orthorhombic crystal systemWikidata (CC0) |
|---|---|
| Space group | P b n m |
| Cell (Å, °) | a = 3.9624, b = 13.86, c = 3.6971; α = 90, β = 90, γ = 90 |
| Cell volume | 203.041 ų, Z = 4 |
| Axial ratios | 0.2859:1:0.2667calculated from COD 9014987 |
| Source structure | COD 9014987 (Powder Diffraction, 2009) — 1 of 7 structures |
Powder X-ray diffraction (calculated)
| d (Å) | 3.262 | 3.81 | 3.465 | 6.93 | 2.653 | 3.44 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I/I₀ | 100 | 73.5 | 34.5 | 30.2 | 27.8 | 24 |
xrd-v1: CuKa1 1.5406A, 2theta 5-90, top10, Imax=100, no DW/PO. Computed from COD 9014987; idealized occupancies, no preferred orientation.
Physical properties
| Density (calculated) | 4.709 g/cm³calculated from COD 9014987 |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 1-2single sourceDana, System of Mineralogy, 6th ed. (1892) |
| Specific gravity | 4.49-4.5 g/cm3corroboratedDana, System of Mineralogy, 6th ed. (1892) |
| Color | white, yellowsingle sourceDana, System of Mineralogy, 6th ed. (1892) |
| Streak | whitesingle sourceWikidata (CC0) |
| Luster | adamantine, earthy, pearly, silkysingle sourceDana, System of Mineralogy, 6th ed. (1892) |
Chemistry (calculated)
| Molecular weight | 143.94 g/molcalculated from the IMA formula |
|---|---|
| Composition (wt%) | Mo 66.65%, O 33.35% |
Classification
| Nickel-Strunz (10th) | 4.EA.10Wikidata (CC0) |
|---|---|
| Nickel-Strunz (9th) | 4.EA.10Wikidata (CC0) |
| Dana (8th) | 4.5.1.1Wikidata (CC0) |