Arsenolite

(repeating unit)As4O6IMA symbolAso[1]Strunz classification4.CB.50Crystal systemCubicCrystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)Space groupFd3mUnit cella = 11.074 Å; Z = 16IdentificationFormula mass197.841 g/molColorWhite, pale blue, pink to pale yellow if impureCrystal habitCommon as tiny octahedra; aggregates or crusts; botryoidal, stalactiticCleavageOn {111}FractureConchoidalMohs scale hardness1.5LusterVitreous to silky; may be earthy or dullStreakwhite /pale whiteDiaphaneityTransparentSpecific gravity3.87Optical propertiesIsotropic; may be anomalously anisotropicRefractive indexn = 1.755Other characteristicsAstringent, sweetish taste; toxicReferences[2][3][4]

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.[2]

Arsenolite belongs to the minerals which are highly toxic.[4]

Occurrence

It was first described in 1854 for an occurrence in the St Andreasberg District, Harz Mountains, Lower Saxony, Germany.[4]

It occurs by the oxidation of arsenic-bearing sulfides in hydrothermal veins. It also occurs as a result of mine or coal seam fires.[2]

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b c Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. ^ Webmineral
  4. ^ a b c Mindat


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