Crystopedia
IMA mineral species ⚠ Handle With Care

Arsenopyrite

☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs

FeAsS

Sulfide mineral.

GrayWhite & Clear

Arsenopyrite specimen
Arsenopyrite Tomeik.jpg · Wikimedia Commons (see file page for author & license)

Properties

⚖ Density6.347 g/cm³
Very heavy
🔷 Monoclinic✏️ streak black
Chemical formulaFeAsS
ElementsFe, As, S
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Mohs hardness—
Density6.347 g/cm³
Streakblack
Color—
IMA symbolApy
Nickel–Strunz class2.EB.20

“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.

Care & Handling

  • ☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs Iron arsenic sulfide, the main arsenic ore. It gives off a garlic smell when struck or heated (arsenic). It weathers to arsenic oxides.

This stone is in the Handle With Care collection; see the safety section below.

⚠ Handle With Care Moderate caution

☠ Toxic if ingested😷 Dust / fibre inhalation hazard🚫 Don't make water elixirs

Why: Iron arsenic sulfide, the main arsenic ore. It gives off a garlic smell when struck or heated (arsenic). It weathers to arsenic oxides.

Safe handling: Wash your hands after handling. Don't lick it, put it in your mouth, or make elixirs with it. Don't cut or grind it. Display it out of reach of children and pets. Never heat it.

Sources: Wikipedia: Arsenopyrite · ATSDR ToxFAQs: Arsenic · Mindat: Arsenopyrite. General safety information only, not medical advice. More on safe handling.

Varieties & related stones

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