Molybdenite Structure
Steven Dutch, Professor Emeritus, Natural and Applied Sciences,
Minerals don't come much simpler than molybdenite, MoS2. It consists of paired triangular sheets of sulfur atoms with molybdenum between. The Mo-S coordination polyhedron is a triangular prism. The sheets are not strongly bonded but are held together by weak Van der Waals forces. The weak inter-sheet bonding accounts for the softness and slipperiness of molybdenite. Although molybdenite can be confused with graphite, it doesn't leave a mark on paper. Also, graphite has a dull, dark neutral gray color, whereas molybdenite usually has a much brighter luster and a bluish-purple cast.
Above: oblique view of the molybdenite structure
Above, view perpendicular to the layers, showing the relationship between layers.
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Created 22 April 2013, Last Update