4.2" Realgar With Pyrite, Quartz and Sphalerite - Peru

Realgar With Pyrite, Quartz and Sphalerite - Peru #195767

This fascinating specimen contains beautiful red realgar crystals and pyrite crystals clinging to an aggregation of quartz and anorpiment encrusted sphalerite, collected from the Palomo Mine in Perú. The anorpiment gives the sphalerite a deceptive chalcopyrite colored exterior.

It comes with an acrylic display stand.

About Realgar

Realgar is an arsenic sulfide mineral with the chemical formula of AsS. Realgar is known for its lustrous red hue, and pristine specimens can be transparent with sharp crystals. The crystal structure is typically stubby and prismatic, though botryoidal and earthy clumps can form as well.

Following prolonged/repeated periods of time under light, realgar will alter to pararealgar. If further left exposed, the pararealgar will crumble to a yellow dust. This mineral instability is particularly troublesome for museums where consistent light exposure has caused specimens to crumble over time. However, short, periodic exposure to light shouldn't alter realgar specimens.

Realgar contains a significant amount of poisonous arsenic, making it somewhat toxic. Therefore, we recommend washing your hands following handling.

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