realgar (pigment)

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Scope note
An orange-red mineral, found as soft lumps consisting of arsenic disulfide, having a resinous luster; it is found in eastern Europe, Asia, and western North America in lead and silver ores along with orpiment (arsenic trisulfide). Realgar was once widely used as a pigment because of its bright rich color in works from China, India, Central Asia, Egypt, and Europe. However, it is extremely toxic, not stable, and can deteriorate badly in oil paint films.
realgar
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024