What does wulfenite mean?
Wulfenite is a mineral name for lead molybdate (PbMoO4), a compound that forms striking yellow to orange crystals. It is a tetragonal mineral and commonly occurs in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, where its flat or tabular crystals can be conspicuous among darker host minerals. Collectors value good specimens for their color and geometric form, and the mineral has also been studied as a potential source of molybdenum and for its specialized optical and electronic properties. In ordinary prose, “wulfenite” is a precise geological term rather than a general name for any yellow crystal. Its name honors the Austrian mineralogist Franz Xaver von Wulfen, who made major contributions to the study of lead minerals. The resulting word is memorable partly for that personal origin and partly because a simple lead molybdate can produce exceptionally vivid crystals.
nounA tetragonal mineral composed of lead molybdate (PbMoO4), typically occurring as yellow to orange crystals.
- The mineral lead molybdate (PbMoO4), usually distinguished by its yellow or orange, commonly tabular crystals.
"The collector prized the vivid orange wulfenite crystals from the abandoned lead mine."
"A rare wulfenite specimen was displayed under bright museum lighting."
"The mineralogist identified the square, golden crystals as wulfenite."
Used for multiple specimens, crystals, or occurrences of the mineral.
"The collection includes several wulfenites from different mines."
This vivid yellow-to-orange mineral was named in 1789 for Franz Xaver von Wulfen, an Austrian pioneer in mineralogy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wulfenite
The name wulfenite comes from German Wulfenit, formed from the surname Wulfen. Abraham Gottlob Werner named the mineral in 1789 for Franz Xaver von Wulfen (1728–1805), the Austrian mineralogist. The personal-name source is also reflected in related mineral-name forms such as French wulfénite.
How wulfenite is actually used
Wulfenite is a specialist geological and mineralogical term. It is used both for the mineral species and, with a determiner, for an individual specimen or crystal.
Easily confused with wulfenite
Wulfenite is lead molybdate (PbMoO4), whereas wolframite is an iron–manganese tungstate mineral.