Orpiment with Realgar

A dramatic and substantial realgar and orpiment specimen from Guizhou Province, China, featuring a fascinating combination of fiery orange, golden yellow, and vivid red arsenic sulfide minerals.

The specimen is densely covered with chunky crystalline formations and richly textured mineral growth. Look closely and you’ll find bright red realgar crystals and patches peeking through the golden-yellow to orange material, creating beautiful flashes of contrasting color throughout the piece. Areas of platy, lustrous growth add even more visual interest, while the earthy surface coatings give it the rugged appearance of a specimen straight from the mine.

Realgar and orpiment are closely associated arsenic sulfide minerals and are frequently found together. Realgar is known for its striking red to orange-red coloration, while orpiment is famous for its brilliant golden-yellow hues. Their vibrant colors have fascinated people for centuries and make specimens containing both especially distinctive additions to a mineral collection.

This is a particularly impressive large display specimen, with plenty of dimension, cavities, crystal faces, and intricate details to explore from every angle.

Locality: Guizhou Province, China
Minerals: Realgar & Orpiment
Formation: Natural

Please note that realgar and orpiment contain arsenic and should be handled responsibly. Avoid creating or inhaling dust, wash hands after handling, and keep the specimen away from direct sunlight, as realgar is light-sensitive.

A wonderfully unusual Chinese mineral specimen with fantastic color, texture, and presence.