Mineral
Wulfenita
PbMoO₄ · Molibdatos
Wulfenite is a lead molybdate typical of oxidation zones, with a characteristically tabular habit and notable colour.
It commonly occurs as well-defined tabular crystals and plates. It can also develop thick crystals, although this is less usual. Its availability is relatively limited. In the collectors’ market, red varieties typically see higher demand than yellow ones.
A rare and sought-after bipyramidal habit is linked to a small vein active between 2004 and 2007 in China. That morphology is regarded as a modern classic of Chinese mineralogy. Material of that style has virtually disappeared from the market. Its association with that vein is unmistakable.
Etymology
Named in 1845 in honour of the mineralogist Franz Xavier von Wulfen (1728–1805) for his contributions to the study of lead and its minerals.