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Arsenopyrite
Arsenopyrite
Mineral Properties and Uses
What is Arsenopyrite?
Arsenopyrite is an iron arsenic sulfide. It is the most common arsenic mineral and the primary ore of arsenic metal. Arsenopyrite is most often found as a hydrothermal vein mineral and sometimes as a mineral of contact metamorphism. It is sometimes referred to in old texts as "mispickel".
Physical Properties of Arsenopyrite |
| Uses |
poison, preservative, pigment |
| Color |
silver white to steel gray |
| Streak |
dark grayish black |
| Luster |
metallic |
| Diaphaneity |
opaque |
| Cleavage |
poor |
| Mohs Hardness |
5.5 - 6 |
| Specific Gravity |
5.9 - 6.2 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
smells like garlic when crushed, crystal form |
| Chemical Composition |
iron arsenic sulfide, FeAsS |
| Crystal System |
monoclinic |
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| Arsenopyrite from Gold Hill, Utah.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. |
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