Arsenic sulfide

Description

Arsenic sulfide naturally occurs in yellow (orpiment or trisulfide arsenic trisulfide: As2S3) and orange (realgar or disulfide arsenic disulfide: As2S2) forms and are often found in the same deposits. It was once widely used as a pigment because of its bright rich color. Its extreme toxicity, however, has limited its use and availability.

Synonyms and Related Terms

sulfuro de arsenico (Esp.); sulfure d'arsenic (Fr.); solfuro d'arsenico (It.); sulfureto de arsnio (Port.);

Hazards and Safety

Highly toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Carcinogen and mutagen.

Authority

• Ralph Mayer, Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Susan E. Schur, Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985