Molybdenum Element,
Alloys and Symbols

• Molybdenite, MoS2. 
• Wulfenite, PbMoO₄.

Molybdenum is a rare element occurring chiefly as the sulfide, molybdenite. More rarely wulfenite may serve as an ore. See under molybdenite, page 148, and under wulfenite, page 325, for their occurrence and distribution. Only a small amount of molybdenum is produced in the United States.

Molybdenum is used to a small extent as a steel-hardening metal. In the form of ammonium molybdate it is used as a chemical reagent, as a fireproofing molybdate it is used a a chemical reagent, as a fireproofing material, and as a disinfectant. Molybdenum compounds are also used to color leather and rubber.