Molybdenum

Real Metals · Uncommon · Modern

Steel that has to stay hard while it is glowing red gets molybdenum, which is why there is some in every drill bit that cuts at speed. Its sulphide is the other half of its reputation: a black powder so slippery that it lubricates where oil would burn off or freeze solid, used on everything from bicycle chains to spacecraft hinges.

Identity

Symbol
Mo
Atomic number
42
Source
Natural element
Used in
Inconel
Also known as
Mo
Ores of the industrial age
Molybdenite, Wulfenite
Ore deposits
Hydrothermal vein (lode), Porphyry copper deposit, Skarn, Pegmatite deposit, Oxidized zone (gossan)

Physical Properties

Appearance
Silvery-white with a grey metallic tinge, maintains its shine at extreme temperatures
Luster
Metallic
Density
10.28 g/cm³
Melting point
2623 °C
Boiling point
4639 °C
Lighter
Pewter
Denser
Sterling Silver
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Electrical conductivity
Medium

Mechanical Properties

Mohs hardness
5.5
Tensile strength
1100 MPa
Softer
Orium
Harder
Celestial Siderite
Workability
Difficult
Brittleness
Moderate
Malleability
Low
Ductility
Low

Chemical Properties

Corrosion resistance
Very High
Reactivity
Low

Lore & Narrative

For most of history, molybdenite ore was confused with graphite and lead ore, since all three look remarkably similar. During World War I, the shortage of tungsten drove engineers to discover that molybdenum-steel alloys performed even better for armour plating.

Notable uses
High-speed steels, superalloys, missile components, nuclear reactor parts
Forge uses
tool steels, aerospace alloys, nuclear applications
Worldbuilding traits
refractory, High-temperature, Industrial, Modern

Sources

Browse the Metal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox