Cave Peak’s Enigmatic Molybdenite

Molybdenite spherules are a habit of molybdenite unique to the Cave Peak Porphyry-Mo deposit in Culberson County, Texas. The spherules often vary in appearence, with some taking on a more radial appearing growth while others may appear zoned, still others appear to have bladed molybdenite growing off of a central spherule. Oftentimes the spherules will appear damaged or cracked. The origin of these enigmatic spherules is unknown. Using LA-ICP-MS, this project will investigate the formation, origin, timing, and mineralizing relationships of Cave Peak’s unique spherical molybdenite through trace element analysis.

Cp8558 Twospherules 20x

Two side by side spherules from Cave Peak