Arsenic sulfide
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Description
A mineral that naturally occurs in yellow (Arsenic trisulfide: Orpiment (As2S3) and orange/red (Arsenic disulfide: As4S24 existing in two isomers of Realgar and Pararealgar) forms often found in the same deposits. Arsenic sulfide compounds were widely used as pigments because of their bright, rich colors. However, discovery of their extreme toxicity has since limited the use and availability.
Synonyms and Related Terms
sulfuro de arsenico (Esp.); sulfure d'arsenic (Fr.); solfuro d'arsenico (It.); sulfureto de arsénio (Port.);
Risks
- Highly toxic by ingestion and inhalation.
- Carcinogen and mutagen.
Resources and Citations
- Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
- 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
- Wikipedia: Arsenic sulfide Accessed March 2025