Molybdenite (Specimen #100247)

Mineral(s): Molybdenite, Quartz 

Location: Moly Hill mine, La Motte, Abitibi RCM, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec, Canada 

Size: 6.9 x 5.0 x 2.6 cm 

Provenance: Ex. Hawthorneden, ex. David K. Joyce collection  

Description:  An impressive specimen of multiple, hexagonal molybdenite crystals on a quartz matrix. Three bright metallic crystals overlap with each other to create a 3.4 x 2.5 cm crystal aggregate. The quartz matrix is hematite stained an attractive orange colour that accentuates the shiny metallic molybdenite crystals. A great specimen in excellent condition.

The deposit is in a pegmatite that has been exposed by several open cuts on a prominent white ridge visible for miles from the adjacent countryside. Exploration of the deposit was performed by Dupas Metals Limited in the 1950's, by Utufora Mining Co. Ltd. in 1963, and by Moly Hill Mining Corporation Ltd. from 1964 to 1968. More recently (1990's) quartz has been quarried for use as flux in the smelter in Noranda.