Realgar For Sale

Realgar is a captivating mineral known for its vibrant red to orange-red color, which often draws comparisons to ruby or vermilion. Composed of arsenic sulfide (As₄S₄), realgar is an arsenic-based mineral, which gives it a striking appearance but also makes it highly toxic. Often found in hydrothermal veins, hot springs, and volcanic fumaroles, realgar commonly occurs alongside its closely related mineral, orpiment, as well as other sulfur-rich minerals such as stibnite and arsenopyrite. Realgar forms in monoclinic crystal systems and frequently appears in prismatic or columnar crystal shapes. However, it can also occur as granular or massive forms.

More About Realgar

Orange Orpiment and Realgar - Melco Gold Mine, Utah #52393

2" Orange Orpiment and Realgar - Melco Gold Mine, Utah

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Phenomenal Realgar, Quartz & Pyrite Association - Peru #66506

Phenomenal 4" Realgar, Quartz & Pyrite Association - Peru

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Realgar, Pyrite, Galena and Quartz Association - Peru #89358

5.9" Realgar, Pyrite, Galena and Quartz Association - Peru

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Realgar Crystals on Sphalerite - Peru #45739

1.4" Realgar Crystals on Sphalerite - Peru

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Realgar With Quartz & Galena - Peru #45737

1.7" Realgar With Quartz & Galena - Peru

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Realgar With Quartz & Pyrite - Peru #66505

2.7" Realgar With Quartz & Pyrite - Peru

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Vibrant Orpiment Crystal Aggregation - Russia #220262

4.1" Vibrant Orpiment Crystal Aggregation - Russia

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Realgar, Chalcopyrite, Galena and Quartz Association - Peru #89359

3.7" Realgar, Chalcopyrite, Galena and Quartz Association - Peru

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Realgar Crystals with Orange Orpiment on Matrix- Peru #45735

2" Realgar Crystals with Orange Orpiment on Matrix- Peru

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Realgar Crystals on Yellow-Orange Orpiment - Peru #110176

4.2" Realgar Crystals on Yellow-Orange Orpiment - Peru

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Realgar On Quartz Crystal Cluster - Peru #89356

5" Realgar On Quartz Crystal Cluster - Peru

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Realgar and Pyrite Association - Peru #71632

2.1" Realgar and Pyrite Association - Peru

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Realgar, Pyrite & Druzy Quartz Association - Peru #89351

4.4" Realgar, Pyrite & Druzy Quartz Association - Peru

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Vibrant Orpiment and Realgar Association - Russia #212802

2.7" Vibrant Orpiment and Realgar Association - Russia

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Vibrant Red Realgar & Pyrite on Quartz Crystal Cluster - Peru #195769

3.9" Vibrant Red Realgar & Pyrite on Quartz Crystal Cluster - Peru

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Orpiment, Realgar and Barite Crystal Association - Peru #169082

4" Orpiment, Realgar and Barite Crystal Association - Peru

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3.9" Realgar, Pyrite On Quartz - Peru

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Vibrant Red Realgar and Galena on Quartz Crystals - Peru #276041

4.3" Vibrant Red Realgar and Galena on Quartz Crystals - Peru

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Orange Orpiment and Red Realgar Crystals - Russia #220285

2.75" Orange Orpiment and Red Realgar Crystals - Russia

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Red Realgar, Pyrite, Galena On Quartz - Peru #213578

4.5" Red Realgar, Pyrite, Galena On Quartz - Peru

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Realgar With Pyrite, Quartz and Sphalerite - Peru #195767

4.2" Realgar With Pyrite, Quartz and Sphalerite - Peru

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Realgar Crystals on Quartz - Perú #45738

1.1" Realgar Crystals on Quartz - Perú

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Realgar Crystals on Vibrant Orange Orpiment - Peru #252105

4.4" Realgar Crystals on Vibrant Orange Orpiment - Peru

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Realgar, Sphalerite, Quartz, and Galena Association - Peru #220849

3.9" Realgar, Sphalerite, Quartz, and Galena Association - Peru

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Vibrant Red Realgar on Quartz Crystals - Peru #195765

3.9" Vibrant Red Realgar on Quartz Crystals - Peru

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Orpiment With Realgar and Barite Crystals - Peru #169080

3.3" Orpiment With Realgar and Barite Crystals - Peru

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Tiny Hutchinsonite Crystals on Red-Orange Orpiment - Peru #252107

3" Tiny Hutchinsonite Crystals on Red-Orange Orpiment - Peru

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Vibrant Realgar, Pyrite, Galena, and Quartz Associaition - Peru #213575

2.95" Vibrant Realgar, Pyrite, Galena, and Quartz Associaition - Peru

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Realgar, Pyrite, Quartz and Galena Association #195768

4" Realgar, Pyrite, Quartz and Galena Association

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Realgar, Pyrite & Barite Association - Peru #71636

1.5" Realgar, Pyrite & Barite Association - Peru

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Realgar: The Red Mineral With A Toxic Past

Realgar is a visually striking mineral known for its brilliant red to orange-red color, which has captivated people for centuries. Composed of arsenic sulfide (As₄S₄), realgar’s fiery hue and rarity make it a popular mineral among collectors, but its beauty hides a significant danger—it is highly toxic due to its arsenic content. Beyond its allure, realgar has a fascinating history, having been used in ancient art, alchemy, and even medicine. However, its toxic nature and sensitivity to light mean that realgar is a mineral best admired with caution. Realgar is commonly found in hydrothermal veins, hot springs, and volcanic fumaroles, where it forms under low-temperature conditions. It often occurs alongside minerals like orpiment (another arsenic sulfide with a vibrant yellow color), stibnite, and arsenopyrite. Some of the most notable sources of realgar include:

China: Known for some of the world’s finest realgar crystals, particularly from the Shimen Mine in Hunan Province.

Romania: This region has produced high-quality specimens, especially in association with gold and other sulfide minerals.

United States: Notable deposits exist in Nevada, Washington, and Utah.

Peru and Switzerland: Both countries have unique realgar deposits, particularly in geothermal areas.

Realgar crystals often form in prismatic or columnar shapes, and it can also appear in granular or massive forms. While fresh realgar is a vivid red, it is highly sensitive to light and gradually transforms into a yellowish-orange powder called pararealgar over time.

Toxicity of Realgar: Is it Safe to Handle?

Realgar is a toxic mineral due to its arsenic content, and it can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Handling realgar without proper precautions, such as gloves, can expose a person to small amounts of arsenic, which, over time, can have serious health effects. In particular, realgar dust is hazardous if inhaled, making it important to avoid any form of grinding or crushing.

Mineral collectors who display realgar specimens should ideally keep them in closed cases to prevent accidental contact and to limit their exposure to light, which can degrade the mineral over time. Additionally, thorough hand washing is recommended after handling realgar to minimize any risk of arsenic exposure.

Sensitivity to Light and Stability

One of realgar’s most unique properties is its extreme sensitivity to light. When exposed to sunlight or bright indoor lighting, realgar gradually breaks down and loses its vibrant red color, turning into a yellowish or powdery substance known as pararealgar. This transformation not only affects the mineral’s appearance but also its stability, as it can become fragile and prone to crumbling.

Because of this sensitivity, realgar specimens are best stored in dark, cool environments. Museums and collectors often take special precautions by using UV-protective glass in display cases and ensuring that the mineral is kept in areas with minimal lighting.

Historical Uses of Realgar

Despite its toxicity, realgar has a rich history of use in various fields:

Pigment in Art: In ancient China, realgar was ground into a fine powder and used as a red pigment for art and decoration. It was also used in illuminated manuscripts and paintings in the Middle Ages, prized for its bold, intense color. However, its tendency to fade and turn yellow over time limited its long-term use.

Alchemy and Medicine: In medieval times, realgar was believed to have mystical properties and was used in alchemical experiments. Alchemists sought to unlock its secrets, believing it could play a role in creating gold or serve as a healing agent. Traditional medicine practices, particularly in Asia, also used realgar in small doses, though modern understanding of its toxicity has since curtailed such uses.

Insecticide and Rodenticide: Due to its high arsenic content, realgar was historically used as a pesticide to repel insects and rodents. Its toxicity made it effective for this purpose, although its use declined significantly as safer chemicals were developed.

Today, realgar’s role is primarily confined to mineral collections, where it is admired for its unique appearance and historical significance.

Featured Photos

Vibrant Orpiment and Realgar Association - Russia #212810

Realgar: The Red Mineral With A Toxic Past

Toxicity of Realgar: Is it Safe to Handle?

Sensitivity to Light and Stability

Historical Uses of Realgar

Featured Photos