About Orpiment
Arsenic trisulfide, known for its bright lemon-yellow to orange color and foliated structure. Historically used as a pigment. It's associated with intellectual stimulation and manifestation. (Highly toxic, handle with extreme care).
Primary Hues
Lemon-Yellow, Golden-Yellow, Orange-Yellow, Brownish-Yellow, often forms foliated masses
Metaphysical Properties
(Toxic, arsenic sulfide, handle with care, avoid dust/ingestion) A stone of intellect and manifestation (use with extreme caution). Believed to stimulate mental clarity and attract abundance.
Associated Tarot Cards
The Sun
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Symbolizes intellect- clarity- and vitality- aligning with this mineral's bright color.
The Magician
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Represents harnessing knowledge and manifesting ideas- resonating with Orpiment's intellectual stimulation.
Associated Deities
Apollo
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Sun- Light- Prophecy- Knowledge
Rationale: Apollo's connection to the sun and knowledge aligns with this stone.
Hermes
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Intellect- Communication- Alchemy
Rationale: Hermes's association with the mind and alchemical processes connects to Orpiment.
Metaphysical Uses
Intellectual Stimulation (Symbolic)
Mental Clarity (Symbolic)
Investigation Aid (Symbolic)
Please read our Metaphysical Disclaimer
Geological & Scientific Details
Orpiment is classified as a sulfide mineral mineral which typically crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its chemical formula is As2S3. Common crystal habits include commonly in foliated columnar or fibrous aggregates; may be reniform or botryoidal; also granular or powdery; rarely as prismatic crystals.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Sulfide mineral
- Chemical Formula: As2S3
- IMA Symbol: Orp[1]
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Predominant Geological Color: Lemon-yellow to golden or brownish yellow
- Crystal Habit: Commonly in foliated columnar or fibrous aggregates; may be reniform or botryoidal; also granular or powdery; rarely as prismatic crystals
- Twinning: On {100}
- Cleavage: Perfect on {010}, imperfect on {100};
- Luster: Resinous, pearly on cleavage surface
- Streak: Pale lemon-yellow
- Diaphaneity: Transparent