ORPIMENT SPECIMEN

This is a natural specimen from Siberia

Weight 14.35 cts app

Size 21 x 10 mm app

Orpiment is a rare mineral that usually forms with realgar. In fact the two minerals are almost always together. Crystals of orpiment are extremely rare as it usually forms masses and crusts. The masses are sometimes transparent to a degree and have a gemmy quality to them. The yellow color is special to orpiment and can be confused only with a few other minerals. Orpiment is derived from the latin auripigmentum, or golden pigment. Its use as a dye or pigment is limited due to its instability.

ORPIMENT IS AN ORANGE TO YELLOW MINERAL THAT IS FOUND WORLDWIDE,AND OCCURS AS A SUBLIMATION PRODUCT IN VOLCANIC FUMAROLES, LOW TEMPERATURES HYDROTHERMAL VEINS, HOT SPRINGS AND AS A BYPRODUCT OF THE DECAY OF ANOTHER ARSENIC MINERAL, REALGAR.