Wulfenite

Wulfenite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: January 2022
Wulfenite Polished Wulfenite Rough

Known for its striking orange, yellow, and red hues, nice luster, and unique crystal habits, wulfenite is a lead molybdate that is found in the oxidation zone of lead-ore deposits. Wulfenite typically forms thin, tabular crystals. Finding a crystal thick enough to fashion into a gem is challenging.

General Information

Common Name
Wulfenite
Species
Wulfenite
Transparency
Transparent - Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: Strong Fire Value: 0.203
Refractive Index
Over The Limit 2.280-2.400
Birefringence
0.12-0.122
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert to weak yellow, orange or red
LWUV: Inert to weak red
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
3
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
6.500-7.000
Toughness
Poor
Luster
Adamantine, Resinous
Fracture
Uneven, Subconchoidal
Cleavage
Good, in one direction, Poor, in two directions
Chemical Name
lead molybdate
Chemical Formula
PbMoO4
Crystal System
Tetragonal

Wulfenite Colors

  • Brown Wulfenite
    Brown
  • Orange Wulfenite
    Orange
  • Brown Wulfenite
    Brown
  • Red Wulfenite
    Red
  • Green Wulfenite
    Green
  • Colorless Wulfenite
    Colorless
  • Gray Wulfenite
    Gray
  • White Wulfenite
    White
  • Black Wulfenite
    Black

Countries of Origin

United States of America (the); Unknown; Namibia; Mexico

Care

Very soft , careful handling