Molybdenite
Molybdenite is a molybdenum sulphide, and the main ore for the metal molybdenum. The mineral is characterized by its very low hardness, it blackens fingers and leaves a mark on paper. Thus it can be confused with graphite, the mineral used in pencils, but molybdenite is heavier and leaves a greyish green mark on paper as opposed to the black streak of graphite. The sample on display is from Knaben in Kvinesdal. There was operation here in the periods 1885-1917, 1918-1919 and 1923-1973. Knaben was Europe’s largest molybdenum mine. A total of 17,500 tonnes of molybdenum sulphide was produced.
Molybdenum is used to harden and raise the melting point of steel and is sought after, among other things. in the arms industry. The Germans were very interested in the molybdenum from Knaben during World War II, because they wanted to use it to reinforce their armored vehicles. The Allies bombed the mines in Knaben twice during 1943 to prevent the occupying power from getting hold of the metal.