How do I identify Realgar?

Realgar can be identified by its hardness of 1.5 - 2 on the Mohs scale, Dark red to orange-red color, Greasy, Resinous luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Realgar?

Realgar typically appears in Dark red to orange-red. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Realgar has a hardness of 1.5 - 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Realgar

A variety of Minerals

Uncommon

What is Realgar?

Realgar is a sulfur- and arsenic-containing mineral that tends to bear a striking coloration - specimens typically range from marigold to vermillion to a deep, ruby red. A toxic mineral, realgar has been used since ancient times, often as a poison for rodents or insect pests. The mineral has also historically been used in the manufacture of fireworks.

Uses & Applications

Realgar is used for leather processing to remove hair from the hide. It has also been used to create red pigments, and as a minor source of arsenic, this mineral is used to kill weeds and pests such as insects and rodents.

Healing Properties

Realgar is believed to cleanse the subconscious mind, revealing all hidden thoughts and deeds from past lives, allowing a person to use these to build a better future. It is said to possess positive energy so that by carrying it, a person will feel revitalized and inspired to achieve their aspirations. It is also believed to open a person's heart to allow for more tolerance and understanding.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 2.538-2.704
Birefringence: 0.166
Pleochroism: Nearly colorless to pale golden yellow
Optical Character: Biaxial negative

Realgar Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Realgar using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Realgar Localities Map

See where Realgar is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Realgar has long been known as a poison and was used by the Ancient Chinese to repel snakes. They also believed realgar could ward off evil and made it into a wine during dragon boat festivals. This toxic mineral was used for orange and yellow pigment in 13th century Byzantium art.

Associated Chakras

Solar Plexus

Key Characteristics

Formation of Realgar

Realgar most commonly occurs as a low-temperature hydrothermal vein mineral associated with other arsenic and antimony minerals. It also occurs as volcanic sublimations and in hot spring deposits. It occurs in association with orpiment, arsenolite, calcite and barite. It is found with lead, silver and gold ores in Hungary, Bohemia and Saxony. In the US it occurs notably in Mercur, Utah; Manhattan, Nevada; and in the geyser deposits of Yellowstone National Park. It is commonly held that after a long period of exposure to light realgar changes form to a yellow powder known as pararealgar (β-As4S4). It was once thought that this powder was the yellow sulfide orpiment, but has been recently shown to be a distinct chemical compound.