ORPIMENT

An arsenic sulfide mineral with a distinctive yellow/orange color and streak. It forms in low temperature hydrothermal veins and volcanic hot springs. Its name comes from the Latin auripigment, or gold color. It was used as a yellow pigment for thousands of years even though it is highly toxic. It was also used as a medicine in China, to tip arrows with, and was of interest to European Alchemists on their quest to create gold. Orpiment was used on the walls of King Tut’s tomb, and in the Taj Mahal. Today it is used to tan hides, make infra-red transmitting glass, oilcloth and linoleum. It is found in many locations around the world. As a specimen, Orpiment is photosensitive as well as toxic, so care must be taken to avoid physical contact, inhalation and sunlight exposure.

– Associated with the solar plexus chakra, zodiac signs of Leo, Scorpio & Sagittarius & vibrate to the numbers 2, 11 & 47.

– Powerful crystal for opening and aligning the solar plexus chakra, aiding one in taking control of one’s life, feeling confident and assured of one’s choices.
– Helps one find their purpose in life.
– Exudes self confidence and authority without being arrogant.
– Exudes abundant energy to complete tasks and take on projects.
– Excellent for detective work and uncovering truths.
– Helpful for studying, focus and determination.
– Physically aids the stomach, digestion and elimination of waste. (Not recommended to physically handle this crystals, as it is toxic)

Chemical Formula: As₂S₃
Shape: foliated columnar or fibrous aggregates, granular, powdery, botryoidal, reniform, rarely as prismatic crystals
Crystal System: monoclinic
Color: orange yellow to lemon yellow
Streak: light lemon yellow
Luster: resinous to pearly
Diaphaneity: transparent to opaque
Hardness: 1.2-2 Moh’s
Tenacity: sectile
Cleavage: perfect
Specific Gravity: 3.49 g/cm³
Refractive Index: biaxial (-)