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Arsenolite

A species of Minerals, Also known as Arsenic oxide, Arsenious oxide, Arsenium calciforme, White Arsenic

Arsenolite is an arsenic mineral, chemical formula As4O6. It is formed as an oxidation product of arsenic sulfides. Commonly found as small octahedra it is white, but impurities of realgar or orpiment may give it a pink or yellow hue. It can be associated with its dimorph claudetite (a monoclinic form of As2O3) as well as realgar (As4S4), orpiment (As2S3) and erythrite, Co3(AsO4)2·8H2O. Arsenolite belongs to the minerals which are highly toxic.

Hardness:

1.5

Density:

3.88 g/cm³

General Info About Arsenolite

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Physical Properties of Arsenolite

Colors

White, bluish; reddish to yellowish if impure with realgar or orpiment; colourless in transmitted light

Streak

White to pale yellowish white

Hardness

1.5 , Extremely soft

Density

3.88 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Arsenolite

Formula

As₂O₃

Elements listed

As, O

Characteristics of Arsenolite

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Formation of Arsenolite

It was first described in 1854 for an occurrence in the St Andreasberg District, Harz Mountains, Lower Saxony, Germany. It occurs by the oxidation of arsenic-bearing sulfides in hydrothermal veins. It also occurs as a result of mine or coal seam fires.

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