Orpiment - Jiepaiyu Mine, China

A fantastic specimen of Orpiment - an Arsenic Sulfide - on massive Enargite - a Copper Arsenic Sulfide - from the Jiepaiyu Mine in Hunan Province, China.

Easily one of the largest Arsenic deposits in the world, and producer of some of the largest Orpiment crystals ever found. Arsenic is so much more than just the 'King of Poisons'. It is a metalloid (having properties of both a metal and a non-metal). A lot of research has gone into just what, exactly, Arsenic can do. It can be found almost everywhere on the planet in small amounts, and yes, a lot of the food you eat contains trace amounts.

Under certain conditions, it decomposes easily, and As-ions are quickly snatched from the soil profile by plants, fish, fungi, and transported by water. It is not something you can easily get away from. It is even found in many medicines due to its preservative qualities.

Ready for display in any collection of fine minerals. Specimen comes mounted and labeled.  *Keep in mind, this isn't one that you want to handle frequently.  Make certain to wash your hands well after handling or wear gloves. 

Photo by and specimen of Jim Sullivan - NearEarthExploration - Dongbei, China