Molybdenum (Mo)

NUM: 42
SYMBOL: Mo
CATEGORY: Transition Metal

Molybdenum is a silver metal with a grey cast, having the 6th-highest melting point of any element.

Carl Wilhelm Scheele identified molybdenite as a distinct mineral in 1778, and Peter Jacob Hjelm isolated the metal in 1781.
It melts at 2,623 degrees Celsius and serves as an essential enzyme cofactor, including in the nitrogenase that fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
Most molybdenum strengthens steel alloys for high-temperature service, while molybdenum disulfide works as a dry lubricant.