Wulfenite
| Colour | Orange, Yellow, Red, Clear |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3 |
| Lustre | Adamantine, resinous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Cleavage | On {011}, distinct; on {001}, {013}, indistinct |
| Fracture | Irregular to sub-conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | PbMoO 4 |
| Specific gravity | 6.5–7.0 |
What is Wulfenite?
Wulfenite is a lead molybdate mineral with the formula PbMoO4. It often occurs as thin tabular crystals with a bright orange-red to yellow-orange color, sometimes brown, although the color can be highly variable. In its yellow form it is sometimes called "yellow lead ore".
How to identify Wulfenite
- Lustre: Adamantine, resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 3 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Tetragonal crystal system.
Wulfenite in different forms
Stones often confused with Wulfenite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Wulfenite?
Wulfenite is Mohs 3 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Wulfenite?
Wulfenite is typically orange, yellow, red, clear (Orange-yellow, yellow, honey-yellow, reddish-orange, rarely colorless, grey, brown, olive-green and even black).