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Wulfenite
Wulfenite
Wulfenite
Wulfenite

Wulfenite

Wulfenite

A species of Scheelite Group, Also known as Lead Molybdate, Molybdate of Lead, Yellow Leadspar

Wulfenite is incredibly common and easy to collect, with some of the most spectacular examples coming from areas of northern Mexico. It was first discovered in 1845 in Austria and named after a famed Austrian mineralogist. It is high in lead content, so use caution when handling this beautiful gem.

Hardness
Hardness:

2.5 - 3

Density
Density:

6.88 g/cm³

General Info About Wulfenite

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Physical Properties of Wulfenite

Luster
Resinous, Adamantine, Sub-adamantine
Diaphaneity
Transparent to opaque
Colors
Orange-yellow, yellow, honey-yellow, reddish-orange, rarely colourless, grey, brown, olive-green, black
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
Good
Fracture
Uneven, Subconchoidal
Streak
White
Crystal System
Tetragonal
Hardness
2.5 - 3 , Soft
Density
6.88 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight
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Chemical Properties of Wulfenite

Chemical Classification
Molybdates
Formula
Pb(MoO4)
Elements listed
Mo, O, Pb
Common Impurities
W, Ca, V, As, Cr, W, Ti

Optical Properties of Wulfenite

Refractive Index
2.280-2.405
Birefringence
0.120-0.122
Optical Character
Uniaxial negative

Health Risk of Wulfenite

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What is the hazards of Wulfenite?

Harm Type
Heavy Metals
Wulfenite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Lead.
Lead

How to prevent the risks of Wulfenite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!
Avoid putting it into mouth!
It's advisable to handle wulfenite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing wulfenite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store wulfenite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

Discover the Value of Wulfenite

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Rarity
Rare

Characteristics of Wulfenite

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Characteristics of Wulfenite

The crystals of wulfenite are usually more tabular and thinner than those of scheelite, however, the more pyramidal and prismatic crystals show distinct hemimorphism.

Formation of Wulfenite

Wulfenite was first described in 1845 for an occurrence in Bad Bleiberg, Carinthia, Austria. It was named for Franz Xavier von Wulfen (1728–1805), an Austrian mineralogist. It occurs as a secondary mineral in oxidized hydrothermal lead deposits. It occurs with cerussite, anglesite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, vanadinite, pyromorphite, mimetite, descloizite, plattnerite and various iron and manganese oxides. A noted locality for wulfenite is the Red Cloud Mine in Arizona. Crystals are deep red in color and usually very well-formed. The Los Lamentos locality in Mexico produced very thick tabular orange crystals. Another locality is Mount Peca in Slovenia. The crystals are yellow, often with well-developed pyramids and bipyramids. In 1997, the crystal was depicted on a stamp by the Post of Slovenia. Lesser known localities of wulfenite include: Sherman Tunnel, St. Peter's Dome, Tincup-Tomichi-Moncarch mining districts, Pride of America mine and Bandora mine in Colorado. Small crystals also occur in Bulwell and Kirkby-in-Ashfield, England. These crystals occur in a galena-wulfenite-uraniferous asphaltite horizon in a magnesian limestone. The wulfenite found in this area is similar in properties (paragenetic sequence, low silver and antimony contents of the galenas and absence of pyromorphite) to the wulfenites of the Alps and may be similar in origin.

Cultural Significance of Wulfenite

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Uses of Wulfenite

Wulfenite is a source of molybdenum in some areas. Molybdenum is used to increase the strength of alloys, as a lubricant additive, and in circuit board inks. This mineral is not commonly used for jewelry due to its softness, but is a popular specimen among collectors.

Healing Properties of Wulfenite

Wulfenite is a stone that is said to work with the Crown chakra to encourage spiritual growth and wisdom. It is believed to help with depression and self-doubt. It encourages its user to remain steadfast even when surrounded by negative forces or tempting challenges. It enables the person to find courage and replace doubt with confidence. Most helpful for those seeking to break away from toxic behaviors and move forward to a greater purpose in life.
Chakras
Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Third Eye

Common Questions People Also Ask

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