Hexamolybdenum is a rare iron-molybdenum alloy mineral found as microscopic inclusions within platinum group metal deposits. It typically presents as small metallic grains and is only identifiable through sophisticated analytical techniques like microprobe analysis.
Is this hexamolybdenum?
2-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 hexamolybdenum with a known reference. Hexamolybdenum sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Hexamolybdenum vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hexamolybdenum
Minerals reported to co-occur with hexamolybdenum. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mo,Ru,Fe,Ir,Os)
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 11.99 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, microscopic crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As grains in an ovoid-shaped, ultra-refractory inclusion in the Allende meteorite, likely a high-temperature condensate early in the formation of the solar system
Where rockhounds find hexamolybdenum
Classic worldwide localities
- Allende meteorite, Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As grains in an ovoid-shaped, ultra-refractory inclusion in the Allende meteorite, likely a high-temperature condensate early in the formation of the solar system. If you start seeing perovskite, os-ir-mo-w alloys, sc-stabilized tazheranite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hexamolybdenum?+
Where is hexamolybdenum found?+
What rocks look like hexamolybdenum?+
What minerals are found with hexamolybdenum?+
What kind of rock does hexamolybdenum form in?+
What is hexamolybdenum used for?+
Find hexamolybdenum on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
