Skip Links

USGS - science for a changing world

Fact Sheet 2009-3106

USGS Mineral Resources Program

Molybdenum—A Key Component of Metal Alloys

By S.J. Kropschot

Thumbnail of front cover and link to report (4.0 MB)

Abstract

Molybdenum, whose chemical symbol is Mo, was first recognized as an element in 1778. Until that time, the mineral molybdenite—the most important source of molybdenum—was believed to be a lead mineral because of its metallic gray color, greasy feel, and softness. In the late 19th century, French metallurgists discovered that molybdenum, when alloyed (mixed) with steel in small quantities, creates a substance that is remarkably tougher than steel alone and is highly resistant to heat. The alloy was found to be ideal for making tools and armor plate. Today, the most common use of molybdenum is as an alloying agent in stainless steel, alloy steels, and superalloys to enhance hardness, strength, and resistance to corrosion.

March 5, 2010

For additional information contact:

Mineral Resources Program Coordinator
U.S. Geological Survey
MS 913, National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
http://minerals.usgs.gov/

Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.


Suggested citation:

Kropschot, S.J., 2010, Molybdenum—A key component of metal alloys: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2009–3106, 2 p., available at https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3106/.



Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
[an error occurred while processing this directive] URL: https://pubsdata.usgs.gov
Page Contact Information: Contact USGS
Page Last Modified: Tuesday, 29-Nov-2016 17:36:53 EST