Page 80 - The Periodic Table Book

42
Mo Molybdenum

Transition Metals Forms This mineral feels silver-grey and has a very high

greasy to the touch.
This metal’s pure form is

melting point: 2,623°C (4,753ºF).

Molybdenite Chunk of pure molybdenum
refined in a laboratory

Uses This lightweight These closely fitting parts
but stiff frame are hard so they do not get
is made from a damaged easily.
steel containing Ratchet set
This slippery lubricant, which molybdenum
contains finely powdered molybdenite and chromium.
mixed with oil, protects fast-moving
mechanical parts in engines.

Chrome-Moly steel bike
Lubricant

Molybdenum gets its unusual name between these two elements when they are pure.
from the Greek word molybdos, which Molybdenite is soft and slippery, and it is the
means “lead”. Miners once mistook main molybdenum ore. Pure molybdenum
molybdenite, a dark mineral containing this is mainly used to make alloys that are resistant
metal, for an ore of lead. This element is much to corrosion. These are lightweight so are
78 harder than lead, so it is easy to distinguish ideal for constructing bike frames, but

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