Realgar

AsS

This specimen displays vibrant, deep orange-red to red crystalline masses with a distinct resinous to greasy luster, forming intricate clusters.

Realgar Physical Properties

Mohs Hardness

1.5

Crystal System

monoclinic

Luster

resinous

Streak Color

orange-red

Cleavage

good on {010}, poor on {100}

Fracture

conchoidal

Specific Gravity

3.5

Colors

red, orange-red, yellowish-red

Transparency

transparent

Type Locality

Shimen Mine, Hunan Province, China

Mineral Group

sulfides

Uses

pigment, arsenic ore, collector's item

Associated Minerals

orpiment, arsenopyrite, stibnite, cinnabar, pyrite, galena, calcite, barite

Rarity

uncommon

Geological Context

Realgar typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, hot spring deposits, and as a volcanic sublimate. It is often found in association with other arsenic-bearing minerals in ore deposits.

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