MINING ROCKSTAR OF THE WEEK – ORPIMENT!!

Realgar and orpiment are very similar minerals. They are both arsenic sulfides and members of the monoclinic crystal system. They form in the same geological environments and can be closely associated in the same deposits. They have similar physical properties and similar histories of use by man. Because of these similarities, we decided to describe realgar and orpiment in a single article. Realgar and orpiment are both toxic minerals, and contact with them should be avoided. They are not suitable for classroom specimens - "Geology.com"