Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats by contacting us.

Molybdenum

The name molybdenum is derived from the Greek "molybdos" meaning lead. This hard and lustrous transition metal is usually obtained in powder form as a by-product of copper and tungsten production.

Molybdenum is particularly useful as an alloying agent. This element enhances the strength of steel making it harder and more resistant to attack by various chemicals as well as increasing its melting temperature. Gas turbines, supermagnets, and reaction motors all exploit these exceptional properties of the "moly" steel alloy produced with molybdenum. Interestingly, the metal was also a critical component of the steel that was used to produce the German artillery piece called "Big Bertha" during World War I.

Molybdenum does not seem to pose a health hazard for either humans or animals. In fact, some scientists believe that small amounts of this element are essential.