What is "wulfenite"

Wulfenite \Wul"fen*ite\, n. [So named after F. X. Wulfen, an Australian mineralogist.] (Min.) Native lead molybdate occurring in tetragonal crystals, usually tabular, and of a bright orange-yellow to red, gray, or brown color; -- also called yellow lead ore.

n. (context mineralogy English) An orange mineral, lead molybdate, leadmolybdenumoxygen₄, found in lead veins.

n. a yellow to orange or brown mineral used as a molybdenum ore

Wulfenite is a lead molybdate mineral with the formula Pb Mo O. It can be most often found as thin tabular crystals with a bright orange-red to yellow-orange color, sometimes brown, although the color can be highly variable. In its yellow form it is sometimes called "yellow lead ore".

It crystallizes in the tetragonal system, often occurring as stubby, pyramidal or tabular crystals. It also occurs as earthy, granular masses. It is found in many localities, associated with lead ores as a secondary mineral associated with the oxidized zone of lead deposits. It is also a secondary ore of molybdenum, and is sought by collectors.