Orpiment

Orpiment specimens for sale

10 for sale ยท $75โ€“$5,000 USD

145 in the gallery

Orpiment is a mineral composed of arsenic sulfide (As2S3) that forms typically in crystallized, yellow to orange-yellow masses. It commonly occurs as tabular or prismatic crystals with a vibrant, resinous to vitreous luster and a soft, brittle texture. The color ranges from diverse golden to honey-yellow hues, and its habit can include well-formed crystals and microcrystalline aggregates, often found in hydrothermal veins and volcanic environments.

Formula
As2S3
Rarity
Abundant
Stability
Stable
Collector interest
High Interest
Classification notes
Sulfides; arsenic sulfide minerals (Strunz 02.AB)

Key characteristics

Crystal system
monoclinic
Mohs hardness
1.5โ€“2
Specific gravity
3.49
Luster
resinous, pearly
Transparency
transparent, translucent
Color
yellow, orange, brown
Streak
yellow
Cleavage
perfect
Fracture
uneven
Crystal habit
prismatic, tabular, granular, massive
  • Classic / historic

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Where Orpiment is found

Top localities

  1. Quiruvilca Mine32 specimens
  2. Twin Creeks Mine23 specimens
  3. Shimen Mine15 specimens
  4. Palomo mines6 specimens
  5. Getchell Mine5 specimens
  6. Russia1 specimen
  7. Hunan1 specimen
  8. Kuran wa Munjan District1 specimen
  9. El'brusskiy Pb-Zn mine, Elbrussky, Karachayevsk City District1 specimen

About Orpiment

Notable specimens originate from regions with historic mining and sulfur-rich geology, including locations in the United States, Peru, China, Russia, and North Macedonia. In such settings, Orpiment may be associated with realgar or other arsenic-bearing minerals, sometimes forming stunning crystal groups or reflective coatings that catch the eye of collectors. Localities with long mineralogical traditions frequently produce small to medium-sized crystals that display strong color and luster, making them sought after for display and study.

Collectors value Orpiment for its vivid color, contrast with darker minerals, and its reminder of arsenic sulfide chemistry. While less durable than harder minerals, well-preserved specimens with sharp crystal forms and clean faces offer striking visual appeal and educational insight into hydrothermal and volcanic mineral paragenesis.