Climax Mine Molybdenite with Pyrite in Quartz Matrix - Lake County, Colorado
Climax Mine Molybdenite with Pyrite in Quartz Matrix - Lake County, Colorado
A substantial one-of-one collector specimen from the world-renowned Climax Mine near Leadville, Colorado. This cabinet specimen displays silvery to blue-gray molybdenite vein mineralization with pyrite in a pale quartz-rich matrix. Its broad metallic surfaces, layered texture, and stepped cleavage features shift dramatically as the light changes.
The Climax Mine is the namesake locality for Climax-type porphyry molybdenum deposits and is historically important to the development and production of molybdenum.
Specimen details
- Primary mineral: Molybdenite (MoS2)
- Associated mineral: Pyrite
- Matrix: Pale quartz-rich matrix
- Locality: Climax Mine, Lake County, Colorado, USA
- Dimensions: 6.5 × 3.5 × 2.5 inches
- Weight: 2 lb 13.5 oz (approximately 1.29 kg)
- Availability: One specimen only
You will receive
The exact physical specimen shown in the photographs.
Complementary Molybdenite Mineral Specimen Profile created by Alexandra Dean, YiaYiaMinerals.
Care and handling
Molybdenite is extremely soft, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 1–1.5, and its thin layers can cleave or smear if rubbed. Handle the specimen by its sturdy matrix, avoid scrubbing or polishing the metallic areas.
Display and color note
Metallic minerals are highly responsive to lighting and viewing angle. The silvery to blue-gray tones and reflective surfaces may appear slightly different in person or on different screens. Photographs were selected to show the specimen from multiple angles as faithfully as possible.