IMA mineral species ⚠ Handle With Care

Orpiment

As₂S₃

Sulfide mineral.

Orpiment specimen — Mineraly.sk - auripigment.jpg · Wikimedia Commons (see file page for author & license)

Properties

Chemical formula	As₂S₃
Elements	As, S
Crystal system	Monoclinic
Mohs hardness	—
Density	—
Streak	—
Color	—
IMA symbol	Orp
Nickel–Strunz class	2.FA.30

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

Care & Handling

☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs Arsenic sulfide.

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

⚠ Handle With Care High caution

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

Why: Arsenic trisulfide (As₂S₃), once used as a pigment ('King's yellow'). It is toxic if swallowed or if its dust is inhaled. It is soft and flaky and sheds particles easily.

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.

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

Learn more

Orpiment on Mindat.org
Wikipedia article
Wikidata item Q419183 (source of this page's data – you can correct it there)