AllMineralsRock
Orpiment
Orpiment is a popular mineral composed of arsenic sulfide. [1]
Orpiment: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Orpiment:- Transparency: Orpiment can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, orpiment is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, orpiment can be pearly or resinous.
- Streak: Orpiment streaks yellow.
- Specific Gravity: Orpiment's specific gravity ranges from 3.4 to 3.5.
Orpiment: Background and Summary
Orpiment is a yellow mineral that belongs to the group of sulfides. It has a chemical formula of As2S3, which means that it is composed of two atoms of arsenic and three atoms of sulfur. Orpiment has a distinct yellow color that can range from pale yellow to deep orange-yellow, and it is translucent to opaque. It has a hardness of 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 3.5 to 3.6.To identify orpiment, one can look for its characteristic yellow color and its translucency. It can be distinguished from other yellow minerals like sulfur and pyrite by its softness and its tendency to crumble. Orpiment is also known to be fluorescent under ultraviolet light, emitting a greenish-yellow glow.
Orpiment has been used for various purposes throughout history. It was used as a pigment in ancient Egypt and Rome, and it was also used as a medicine in traditional Chinese medicine. In modern times, orpiment is used mainly in the production of semiconductors and as a source of arsenic for various industrial processes. It is also sometimes used as a pigment in art and in the manufacture of glass.
Orpiment: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Orpiment (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | As2S3 |
| Chemical Composition | arsenic sulfide |
| Specific Gravity | 3.4, 3.5 |
| Streak | yellow |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: yellow, orange sometimes: brown less common: red, gold |
| Category | sulfide |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.620 |
Orpiment: FAQ
Q: Is orpiment toxic?A: Yes, orpiment is toxic due to its arsenic content. It should be handled with care and not ingested or inhaled.
Q: Can orpiment be found in jewelry?
A: Orpiment is not commonly used in jewelry due to its softness and toxicity.
Q: Where is orpiment found?
A: Orpiment is found in various locations around the world, including China, Russia, Peru, and Turkey.
Sources
- Mindat.org- Geology.com
- Webmineral.com
- Orpiment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orpiment
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