Properties:
In spite of their toxicity, arsenic-containing minerals, such as arsenopyrite, have a warm and friendly quality. Holding it often brings a smile. Arsenopyrite bestows inner warmth and lifts the spirits, and balances all chakras, leaving behind a golden glow. It activates the lower three chakras, thereby strengthening self-confidence, motivation and drive, and instilling a sense of empowerment. It can also help to stimulate the libido. Used in meditation, there is a multidimensional aspect, allowing you to experience several levels of existence at the same time, or travel between dimensions.

Attributes:

  • Chemical Formula: FeAsS – Iron arsenic sulphide
  • Group: Sulphides
  • Crystal System: Monoclinic
  • Hardness: 5½ – 6
  • Birthstone: No known astrological sign
  • Chakra: Solar plexus, with some effect on Sacral and Root Chakras; balances all
  • Element: Fire

Mineralogy:
Arsenopyrite is the most common arsenic mineral. It is usually found in ore veins that formed at medium to high temperatures, often in association with gold and cassiterite (tin ore). It also occurs in contact-metamorphic deposits. The colour is silver-white to steel-grey (sometimes yellowish) when freshly broken, tarnishing to brown or pink. Crystals are monoclinic, but often twin, appearing orthorhombic. It gives off a garlic-like smell when heated, but the fumes are highly toxic, so don’t try this at home! Arsenic is known for being poisonous, but medicinally is used to treat amoebic dysentery, some forms of cancer, and syphilis (historically).

History and Tradition:
Named in 1847 by Ernst Friedrich Glocker for its composition, from the antiquated term “arsenical pyrite.” Arsenopyrite, as a name, may be taken as a simple translation of “arsenkies”.

Arsenopyrite

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