What Is Molybdenum?
Molybdenum is a silvery-white metal and the 42nd element on the periodic table, where it is designated by the symbol Mo. Coincidentally, it also is the 42nd most abundant element in the universe.
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History
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Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered molybdenum as a distinct element in 1778, correcting earlier confusion of molybdenite ore as a form of graphite or lead ore. Fellow Swede Peter Jacob Hjelm isolated the element four years later.
Properties
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Molybdenum is hard and durable but also very ductile, meaning it can be shaped or drawn. It can withstand extremely high levels of heat--up to 4,743 degrees F--without melting, a higher melting point than all readily available metals except tungsten and tantalum.
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Uses
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Molybdenum's primary use is in industry, as its compounds create durable metals resistant to heat and corrosion when added to alloys with metals such as nickel, chromium, manganese or tungsten. It also has uses as electrodes, in missiles, and aircraft parts and in petroleum refining.
Sources
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Pure molybdenum does not occur naturally, and molybdenite ore is the metal's primary source. Other sources include wulfenite and powellite ores, and it also can be recovered after tungsten and copper mining operations.
Toxicity
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Although trace amounts of molybdenum play a biological role, its dust and fumes can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. Long-term exposure can cause headaches, fatigue and joint pain.
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References
Resources
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