Guide
Realgar specimens for sale
12 for sale · $150–$4,500 USD
109 in the gallery
Realgar is a arsenic sulfide mineral that forms vibrant orange to reddish-orange crystals. It often occurs as well-formed prismatic crystals and aggregates with a resinous to vitreous lustre, sometimes showing octahedral or tabular habits. The color is its defining feature, hanging in tones from bright orange to deep rust, and it commonly crystallizes in the monoclinic system, with crystals that can be sharp and striking under proper lighting.
- Formula
- As4S4
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Unstable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Sulfide; arsenic sulfide, Strunz 2.FA.15
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5–2
- Specific gravity
- 3.5–3.6
- Luster
- resinous, greasy
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- red, orange, yellow
- Streak
- orange, red
- Cleavage
- good
- Fracture
- conchoidal
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, granular, massive
- Light-sensitive
- Classic / historic
Buy Realgar specimens
View all 12Where Realgar is found
Top localities
- Shimen Mine18 specimens
- Baia Sprie11 specimens
- Lengenbach Quarry9 specimens
- Palomo mines8 specimens
- Getchell Mine6 specimens
- Cavnic3 specimens
- Quiruvilca Mine2 specimens
- North Macedonia1 specimen
- Boldut Mine1 specimen
- Hisarcik Mine1 specimen
Guides
All guidesAbout Realgar
Notable specimens come from Chinese localities where large, well-formed crystals have been recovered, as well as from historic mining regions in Romania, the United States, Switzerland, and Peru. Realgar is frequently found within hydrothermal veins and volcanic-related deposits, occasionally associated with orpiment. Some specimens exhibit a satin to vitreous surface sheen that enhances their visual warmth when displayed in collections.
Collectors seek Realgar for its bold color contrast and crystal forms, as well as for historical significance in mineral cabinets. Care is required in handling, as Realgar contains arsenic and can alter to orpiment with light exposure; proper storage away from prolonged light helps preserve its appearance for display.
