Arsenic
A variety of Arsenic Group
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is an element regarded as a semi-metal or metalloid. It is regularly found in many different types of rocks and often bonds to sulfur. The most common mineral that contains arsenic is arsenopyrite, which also contains sulfur and iron. This element can be very harmful to humans by inactivating important enzymes related to DNA.
Uses & Applications
Commercially, the most important use for arsenic is as a lead alloy, which is then used in car batteries and the manufacturing of some kinds of electronic equipment. This highly toxic material used to be used in paint and makeup before it was known to be dangerous.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Arsenic before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Arsenic Localities Map
See where Arsenic is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Arsenic
Arsenic comprises about 1.5 ppm (0.00015%) of the Earth's crust, and is the 53rd most abundant element. Typical background concentrations of arsenic do not exceed 3 ng/m in the atmosphere; 100 mg/kg in soil; and 10 μg/L in freshwater. Minerals with the formula MAsS and MAs2 (M = Fe, Ni, Co) are the dominant commercial sources of arsenic, together with realgar (an arsenic sulfide mineral) and native (elemental) arsenic. An illustrative mineral is arsenopyrite (FeAsS), which is structurally related to iron pyrite. Many minor As-containing minerals are known. Arsenic also occurs in various organic forms in the environment. In 2014, China was the top producer of white arsenic with almost 70% world share, followed by Morocco, Russia, and Belgium, according to the British Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey. Most arsenic refinement operations in the US and Europe have closed over environmental concerns. Arsenic is found in the smelter dust from copper, gold, and lead smelters, and is recovered primarily from copper refinement dust. On roasting arsenopyrite in air, arsenic sublimes as arsenic(III) oxide leaving iron oxides, while roasting without air results in the production of gray arsenic. Further purification from sulfur and other chalcogens is achieved by sublimation in vacuum, in a hydrogen atmosphere, or by distillation from molten lead-arsenic mixture.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Arsenic dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Arsenic.
- ⚠️Arsenic
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle arsenic carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing arsenic, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store arsenic in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Tin-white, tarnishing to dark grey or black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.778 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Metallic, Dull
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- As
- Elements
- As
Also Known As
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Arsenic FAQs
How do I identify Arsenic?
Arsenic can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Tin-white color, Metallic, Dull luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Arsenic?
Arsenic typically appears in Tin-white, tarnishing to dark grey or black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Arsenic?
Arsenic has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of arsenic of Arsenic?
Arsenic comprises about 1.5 ppm (0.00015%) of the Earth's crust, and is the 53rd most abundant element. Typical background concentrations of arsenic do not exceed 3 ng/m in the atmosphere; 100 mg/kg in soil; and 10 μg/L in freshwater. Minerals with the formula MAsS and MAs2 (M = Fe, Ni, Co) are the dominant commercial sources of arsenic, together with realgar (an arsenic sulfide mineral) and native (elemental) arsenic. An illustrative mineral is arsenopyrite (FeAsS), which is structurally related to iron pyrite. Many minor As-containing minerals are known. Arsenic also occurs in various organic forms in the environment. In 2014, China was the top producer of white arsenic with almost 70% world share, followed by Morocco, Russia, and Belgium, according to the British Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey. Most arsenic refinement operations in the US and Europe have closed over environmental concerns. Arsenic is found in the smelter dust from copper, gold, and lead smelters, and is recovered primarily from copper refinement dust. On roasting arsenopyrite in air, arsenic sublimes as arsenic(III) oxide leaving iron oxides, while roasting without air results in the production of gray arsenic. Further purification from sulfur and other chalcogens is achieved by sublimation in vacuum, in a hydrogen atmosphere, or by distillation from molten lead-arsenic mixture.