Introduction, characteristics and uses of orpiment ore

Comprehensive introduction of orpiment ore

1. Basic introduction

Orpiment is an arsenic sulfide mineral with a chemical composition of As₂S₃, often coexisting with realgar (As₄S₄). Its name comes from the Latin auripigmentum (meaning "golden pigment"), which is widely used as a pigment in history because of its bright color. The main production areas include China (Hunan, Yunnan), Turkey, Peru, Iran, etc.

2. Physical and chemical properties

Color: lemon yellow to golden yellow, a few are orange-yellow.

Luster: resin luster to pearl luster.

Hardness: 1.5~2 (Mohs hardness), soft texture, brittle.

Cleavage: has complete cleavage and can be peeled into thin sheets.

Toxicity: contains arsenic, long-term contact or accidental ingestion can cause poisoning.

3. Main uses

Historical uses:

Pigment: Ancient Egypt, China and Europe used orpiment to make yellow pigment, but it was gradually replaced due to toxicity.

Traditional Chinese medicine: a small amount of medicine (strict processing is required), used for insecticide and detoxification, and is rarely used in modern times.

Industrial use:

Arsenic extraction: raw materials for smelting arsenic metal or preparing arsenic compounds.

Semiconductor materials: high-purity orpiment can be used in some optoelectronic materials.

Collection and appreciation: orpiment with beautiful crystal morphology can be used as a mineral specimen.

4. Precautions

Toxicity protection: avoid direct contact or inhalation of dust, and store in a sealed container away from children.

Environmental risks: mining and processing need to control arsenic pollution and prevent groundwater pollution.

5. Difference from realgar

Orpiment (As₂S₃) and realgar (As₄S₄) often coexist, but realgar is orange-red and has a slightly higher hardness (1.5~2.5). They have similar uses, but realgar is more commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Author: Xingaonai
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