104 EDWARD S. SIMPSON, B.E., F.C.S. : 
Molybdenum — This was one of the earliest of the rare 
metals to be discovered (Scheele, 1778), principally 
because the pure sulphide of the metal, molybdenite, 
is a very characteristic mineral, occurring somewhat 
widely distributed in small quantities, usually in close 
association with granitic rocks. A few other much rarer 
minerals are known containing this metal as an essential 
constituent, whilst scheelite, a tungsten ore of commercial 
importance, contains molybdenum in proportions ranging 
from traces up to 6 per cent. 
For some years past molybdenum has been used as a 
constituent of steel for tools, big guns, propeller shafts, etc. 
Quite recently the very pure metal has been produced 
in the form of ductile wire, which is already being used for 
winding electric furnaces, as supports in metallic filament 
lamps, etc. Ammonium molybdate is a salt of considerable 
commercial importance. Present indications point to a 
rapid increase in the use of metallic molybdenum and its 
consequent translation fro n the ranks of the rare metals to 
those of the commercially common metals. 
With the immense areas of granite exposed in this 
State, molybdenum would be expected to be widespread. 
Already it has been detected in many localities, the list of 
which is being yearly added to. Details of its occurrence 
follow : — 
Near Paton’s Reward (Murchison G.F.). — Molybden- 
ite in small and large masses in quartz stringers and adjacent 
granite, associated with wolfram and scheelite. 
Coolgardie. — Molybdenite, a few small specimens em- 
bedded in amphibolite. 
Bullabulling. — Molybdenite moderately plentiful in 
small quartz leaders in granite. 
The Terraces (Mt. Margaret G.F.) Small flakes of 
molybdenite plentiful in quartz leaders in granite. 
Southern Cross. — Molybdenite flakes and crystals in 
quartz veins. 
Toodyay. — Small masses of molybdenite plentiful in 
solid grey granite. 
Clackline. — Small flakes of molybdenite in quartz. 
At surface a little molybdic ochre 
Blackboy Hill. — Small flakes of molybdenite in 
quartz. 
Wagin. — Small flakes of molybdenite in quartz. 
Buldania. — Single specimen showing a mass of molyb- 
denite in greenstone. 
Ravensthorpe (near). — -Flakes of molybdenite in 
quartz. 
