What's That Rock?Realgar
A bright orange-red arsenic mineral. It is soft, and light slowly turns it to a yellow powder.
Safety
Contains arsenic and is toxic. Do not touch the powder, eat, or breathe dust. Wash hands after any contact and keep away from children and pets.
How to identify Realgar
- Orange-red, soft crystals
- Streak orange-red
- Slowly crumbles into powder in light
Often confused with
- Cinnabarheavier, scarlet
- Orpimentyellow
- Red jasper
Is Realgar valuable?
Moderate.
What changes the price
- Crystals: sharp, bright red-orange crystals are the collector form
- Condition: it crumbles to a yellow powder in light, so well-kept pieces matter
- Contains arsenic: it is toxic, selling and shipping can be restricted, and handling needs care
Uses
- Historic pigment, specimens
Care
Store dark and sealed; light causes it to crumble into powder.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026