Open AccessMOLYBDENUM RESEARCH IN NEW. ZEALAND
Author(s) -
E. B. Davies
Publication year - 1952
Publication title -
proceedings of the new zealand grassland association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1179-4577
pISSN - 0369-3902
DOI - 10.33584/jnzg.1952.14.977
Subject(s) - molybdenum , molybdenite , tungsten , metallurgy , incandescent light bulb , environmental science , materials science , engineering , quartz , fluid inclusions , electrical engineering
Molybdenum is a silvery-white metal falling in the same group as chromium and tungsten. Molybdenite, the only ore of commercial importance, is world-wide in distribution, but the chief sources are from Colorado and New Mexico, U.S.A., and Chile. A very small amount was mined at Mt. Radiant, Xaramea, about 1917. In 1941 world production was 17,000 tons a year, of which 15,000 tons came from U.S.A. Present annual production approaches 20,000' tons. The main consumption is in heat-resistant steel alloys, such as are used in high-speed cutting tools, rifle barrels, and so on. Molybdenum is used for the filament supports in electric light bulbs on account of its high melting point (2550 degrees C.). The metal is in short supply at present and rationed.