Origin / Meaning of the name Molybdenum
The name Molybdenum originates from the Greek word molubdos meaning "lead-like"
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Molybdenum Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Molybdenum is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
Occurrence of the Molybdenum Element
Obtained from molybdenite, powellite and wulfenite
Found in the enzyme xanthine oxidase
Byproduct of Copper mining
Mined in the USA
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 5×10-7%
% in Sun 9×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.00012%
% in Earth's Crust 0.00011%
% in Oceans 1×10-6%
% in Humans 0.00001%
Associated Uses of Molybdenum
High strength alloys
High temperature steels
Aircraft parts
Missile parts
The Discovery of Molybdenum
Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1778.
Carl Wilhelm Scheele
Carl Scheele (9 December 1742 – 21 May 1786) was a German chemist who made a number of important chemical discoveries before many others but was rarely given the credit for his findings. For instance, although Scheele discovered Oxygen Joseph Priestley published his findings first so was given the credit. Carl Scheele also identified molybdenum, tungsten, barium, Hydrogen and Chlorine before Humphry Davy and other scientists.
Facts about the History of the Discovery of Molybdenum Element
The Russian Luna 24 mission discovered a single grain of pure Molybdenum in a pyroxene fragment taken from Mare Crisium on the Moon.
