(Gr. molybdos, lead) Before Scheele recognized molybdenite as a distinct ore of a newelement in 1778, it was confused with graphite and lead ore. The metal was prepared as animpure form in 1782 by Hjelm. Molybdenum does not occur native, but is obtainedprincipally from molybdenite. Wulfenite, and Powellite are also minor commercial ores.

Molybdenum is also recovered as a by-product of copper and tungsten mining operations.The metal is prepared from the powder made by the hydrogen reduction of purified molybdictrioxide or ammonium molybdate.