3.80 ct ORPIMENT – PERU

Orpiment Yes, you read that right... this mineral contains arsenic and is poisonous. People called me insane for faceting it, but I can guarantee you that when my master cutter cut them many years ago, we used every precaution possible—masks, ventilation, and water-cooled systems—not to endanger anyone. This level of care is also expected from knowledgeable collectors. Store your beautiful Orpiment specimen or faceted gem safely in a sealed display; do not touch it with bare hands, never wear it, and never allow children to play with it. If handled with the respect it deserves, you will be safe, and you will own one of the most vibrant, "forbidden" treasures of the mineral world. The Heritage & Discovery Historical Significance: Orpiment has a long and somewhat dark history. Its name is derived from the Latin auripigmentum (gold pigment), and for centuries, it was used by artists to create a brilliant, albeit toxic, yellow paint. It was also used in ancient medicine and, more nefariously, as a poison. Geologically, it is a low-temperature hydrothermal mineral, often found in volcanic fumaroles and hot springs. It represents the Earth’s ability to create staggering beauty out of lethal chemistry—a "golden" mineral that warns of its danger with its own intense color. Discovery: Orpiment has been known since antiquity, documented by the likes of Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides. It was historically linked to the "philosopher's stone" by alchemists who were captivated by its gold-like appearance. Its scientific classification was refined in the 18th and 19th centuries as mineralogists began to understand the sulfide group and the specific conditions required to form such saturated arsenic crystals. Important Mines: The most legendary source for spectacular, large, and gem-quality Orpiment crystals is the Twin Creeks Mine in Humboldt County, Nevada, USA. This locality produced world-class specimens that redefined what was possible for the species. I also have a high regard for the classic material from the Shimen Mine in Hunan Province, China, and the historic El'brusskiy Mine in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia. I source only the most structurally sound crystals for the vault, as the fragility of the material is just as challenging as its toxicity. Mineralogical Profile Description: Orpiment is an arsenic trisulfide that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It sits at a 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs scale, making it incredibly soft and flexible; thin flakes can be bent, though they are not elastic. It is characterized by its resinous to pearly luster and its unmistakable canary-yellow to orange-yellow color. One of its most identifying features is its perfect cleavage, which allows the mineral to be split into thin, shimmering sheets. Because it is light-sensitive, Orpiment can slowly degrade into a powdery substance (Pararealgar) if exposed to prolonged sunlight; therefore, keeping it in a dark, cool environment is essential. When faceted, it possesses a high refractive index ($n \approx 2.4$ to $3.0$), giving it a brilliance that is almost hypnotic. It is a dense, "heavy" sulfide that remains one of the most visually arresting minerals in existence. Chemical Formula: As₂S₃