By Chisom Ibemere
Wulfenite was first described in 1785 by an Austrian mineralogist from Franz Xavier von Wulfen. It was initially discovered in the Bleiberg mining district in Carinthia, Austria. Wulfenite deposits have been found in various locations around the globe including Mexico, the United States, Morocco, and China.
Wulfenite occurs in the oxidized zone of lead deposits, typically forming in hydrothermal vein systems. It occurs in association with lead and other secondary minerals in these deposits.
Notable deposits include the aforementioned Bleiberg mining district in Austria, as well as the Red Cloud Mine in Arizona, USA, and the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia.
Wulfenite is primarily used as a mineral specimen and gemstone. Due to its striking orange, yellow, or red color, it is highly sought after by collectors and lapidaries. Its aesthetic appeal and crystalline structure make it a popular choice for display in mineral collections and museums.
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In some cases, wulfenite may be cut and polished into gemstones for use in jewelry, although it is relatively soft and not as commonly used in that regard.
Wulfenite is known for its vibrant colors which ranges from yellow to orange-red. The color is attributed to small amounts of lead and molybdenum replacing some of the molybdenum atoms in its crystal structure.
It has a hardness of 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale with a Subadamantine to resinous lustre. It is Transparent to translucent with a refractive index of from 2.3 to 2.4.
The value of wulfenite is primarily determined by its quality, size, and aesthetic appeal. Larger, well-formed crystals with intense colors and good transparency are highly valued by collectors.
The most sought-after specimens come from classic localities such as Austria and Arizona. The market demand, rarity, and overall condition of wulfenite specimens influence its global value.
