79 - Orpiment

Hello friends, Welcome to the Mineral Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur.

 I am orpiment.I typically occur  as yellow to yellowish orange crystalline masses or as prismatic crystals. I have a resinous to  greasy lustre. I am a soft mineral having hardness 1.5 to 2 on Mohs scale of hardness. I show perfect cleavage in one direction. I leave a yellow streak when powdered against a surface. I am commonly found in hydrothermal veins associated with volcanic activity and hot springs. I am used as a pigment in paints, dyes and cosmetics due to the vibrant yellow colour. I am also used in jewellery and ornamental pieces. Thank you for visiting.