ilsemannite
Sign in to saveIlsemannite is an uncommon amorphous complex heterovalent molybdenum oxide, that was first published in 1871, and has been a valid species since pre-IMA. It is a grandfathered mineral, meaning the name ilsemannite is still believed to refer to a valid species. However, it is likely that specimens formed under different conditions, in different localities do not have the same composition, and may even be a mixture of compounds. Furthermore, it is hard to analyze the specimens due to them being a mixture, hence why adequate analyses are lacking of said mineral. Ilsemannite is believed to be iden
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- Nickel-Strunz '10th ed', review of (9th ed/ 2009 update)
- 4.FJ.15
- Nickel-Strunz 9th edition (updated 2009)
- 4.FJ.15
- Commons category
- Ilsemannite
- IMA Mineral Symbol
- Ils
- chemical formula
- Mo₃O₈·nH₂O (?)
- Strunz 8th edition (series ID, updated)
- IV/F.10
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3 sectionsContents
- Properties
- Occurrences and localities
- References
Ilsemannite is an uncommon amorphous complex heterovalent molybdenum oxide, that was first published in 1871, and has been a valid species since pre-IMA. It is a grandfathered mineral, meaning the name ilsemannite is still believed to refer to a valid species. However, it is likely that specimens formed under different conditions, in different localities do not have the same composition, and may even be a mixture of compounds. Furthermore, it is hard to analyze the specimens due to them being a mixture, hence why adequate analyses are lacking of said mineral. Ilsemannite is believed to be identical to synthetic molybdic oxide.
== Properties == Ilsemannite is soluble in water, which at first produces a greenish blue color, which later changes to a deep molybdenum-blue. This is probably why Native Americans believed that ilsemannite colored the waters blue in the Idaho Springs area, however, this has been debunked. Ilsemannite is now believed to consist of molybdenum (66.34%) and oxygen (33.19%), having a negligible amount of hydrogen (0.46%) in it. It has an earthy, dull, clay-like texture, and it is amorphous, meaning ilsemannite does not grow crystals. It does not show any radioactive properties.