Realgar

Real mineral · uncommon · As₄S₄

Arsenic sulfide deposited around hot springs and volcanic vents. Converts slowly to orpiment and arsenolite on prolonged light exposure. Both realgar and orpiment are toxic and require careful handling.

Identity

Formula
As₄S₄
Chemical class
sulfide
Also known as
Ruby sulfur, Ruby of arsenic

Crystallography

Crystal system
monoclinic
Habits
prismatic, massive, granular
Fracture
conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness
1.5
Density
3.56 g/cm³
Luster
resinous, adamantine
Colors
red, orange-red, orange
Streak
orange-yellow
Transparency
transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins
volcanic, hydrothermal
Host rocks
volcanic deposits, limestone, dolomite
Associated minerals
Orpiment, Stibnite, Calcite, Pyrite
Geography
Romania, China, USA (Nevada), Peru, Hungary

Classification

Rarity
uncommon
Gem quality
No

Arcane properties

Affinity
fire, death
Effects
elemental fire, warding
Planar origin
Material Plane

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