Molybdenum is a chemical element with symbol Mo, atomic number 42, and in its elemental form possesses a gray metallic appearance. Molybdenum does not occur naturally as a free metal, but is found in oxidation states in minerals. The primary source of molybdenum is molybdenite, but it can also be recovered as a byproduct of copper tungsten mining. It is mainly used in metallurgy, chemical applications, and fertilizer for plants.
