Realgar
China
7.46 carats
© Rarestone.com
Realgar is named from Arabic "rahj al-gar" - powder of the mine, because it was found in a silver mine.
Realgar forms red to orange-yellow prismatic crystals or granular masses. The crystals disintegrate to a powder after long exposure to light. However, this process takes a very long time. Realgar specimens should be kept in the dark, in an eclosed container.
Realgar is a very rare gem. It is very soft and somewhat unstable.
General Information |
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Chemical Formula | Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Physical Properties of Realgar |
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Mohs Hardness | 1.5 to 2Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Specific Gravity | 3.56Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Tenacity | Brittle,SectileAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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Cleavage Quality | GoodAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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Light Sensitivity | Disintegrate to a powder after long exposure to lightMichael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Optical Properties of Realgar |
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Refractive Index | 2.538 to 2.704Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Optical Character | Biaxial/-Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Birefringence | 0.166Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Pleochroism | Nearly colorless to pale golden yellowAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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Dispersion | Very strongAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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Colour |
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Colour (General) | Red to orange-yellowMichael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references |
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Transparency | TransparentMichael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references |
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Lustre | GreasyMichael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references |
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Crystallography of Realgar |
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Crystal System | MonoclinicMichael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
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Habit | PrismaticMichael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references |
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Geological Environment |
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Where found: | Most commonly as a low-temperature hydrothermal vein mineral associated with As–Sb minerals; also as volcanic sublimations and in hot spring deposits; in carbonate and clay.
sedimentary rocksAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
Further Information |
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Mineral information: | Realgar information at mindat.org |
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Significant Gem Localities |
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| Peru | |
| | | USA | |
| Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 442 |
| Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 442 |
| Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 442 |
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