Mineral - Arsenolite
Arsenolite
Chemical Properties
Mineral Class
Oxides and Hydrxides
Toxicity
high
Formula
As₂O₃
Unit Cell
a=11.07 Z=16
Physical Properties
Hardness
1.5
Streak
white
Density
Heavy (3,5-6)
Cleavage
Good after {111}
Fracture
conchoidal
Tenacity
Optical Properties
Color
whitebrownorangeyellowcolorless
Birefringence
Luster
Vitreous,
Greasy,
Adamantine,
Pearly
Transparency
translucent,
transparent
Pleochroism
Geomineralogical Properties
Crystal System
isometric
Point Group
hexoctahedral - 4/m 3 2/m
Space Group
Fd 3 m (227)
Habit
dipyramidal, crusty, Octahedron
Formation
Secondary due to oxidative weathering of primary arsenic or arsenic-containing sulfides
Paragenesis
Twinning
Rarity
Rather rare
Synonyms
Arsenolite
Composition
Elements
Mass
As₂O₃
99,64
Germany (Palache et al. 1952)
Name and first discovery : Named for its chemical composition. First described in 1854. Known as a poison since ancient times.
Chemistry :
Synonyms : Arsenite, arsenic lime, white arsenic
Varieties : Kenngottite
Abbreviation : Aso
literature
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1952). Dana's system of mineralogy. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar , 74 (2), 218-219.