Realgar
“The toxic red arsenic sulfide”
Realgar is an arsenic sulfide mineral with an intense ruby-red to orange color. It's been used as a pigment and in fireworks for thousands of years despite being highly toxic, and it has the peculiar property of crumbling into yellow orpiment powder when exposed to prolonged light.
arsenic sulfide (As₄S₄)
Shimen (Hunan, China), Baia Sprie (Romania), Mercur (Utah, USA), Allchar (North Macedonia), Getchell Mine (Nevada, USA)
1.5-2
During China's Dragon Boat Festival, realgar wine (xionghuang jiu) was traditionally drunk or sprinkled around homes to ward off evil spirits — the practice has declined as people became aware of arsenic's health dangers.
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