About
Arsenic and Antimony are almost identical. In many instances, the only way to tell them apart is by conducting complex scientific tests. Stibarsen, a mixture of arsenic and antimony, is also indistinguishable through common methods.
Arsenic is poisonous, and therefore hands should be washed after handling specimens. Fumes are highly toxic, and should never be breathed.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
Other ID Marks
2) Tarnishes dark gray
Complex Tests
Striking Features
Environment
Varieties
✓ common · ✗ uncommon
- Arsenolamprite— Rare, orthorhombic polymorph of Arsenic. Arsenolamprite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, whereas Arsenic crystallizes in the hexagonal system. Arsenolamprite has the same exact same properties of Arsenic, excluding the crystal system, which scientifically defines it as a separate mineral from Arsenic.
- Scherbencobalt— Arsenic banded with white lines.
Uses
Arsenic as a commodity is largely used in the manufacturing of glass. It eliminates the initial green color in glass caused by iron impurities. It has been used in the past as a poison, and continues to be used as an insecticide. It has also been previously used for medicinal purposes. It is used electronically in the structure of lasers and semiconductors. It is also used as a coloring agent for paint and fireworks.
Noteworthy Localities
Arsenic is found in visible crystals at the Akadani mine, Fukui Prefecture, Japan; and at the the Kusa Mine, Bau, Borneo, Malaysia. In North America, Arsenic is found at Washington Camp, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona; and Atlin, British Colombia, Canada.