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Arsenopyite

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Arsenopyite

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A major ore of arsenic, Arsenopyite can contain a small amount of gold as an impurity. Although an ore of arsenic, it is not intentionally mined for that reason. In processing the ore of other elements some arsenopyrite is "accidentally" included and gives off its arsenic as fumes that are then recovered. This "accidental" source supplies most of the world's needs in arsenic. It's well formed crsytals show a distinct and interesting crystal form. A typical crystal contains a diamond shaped dome atop a prismatic crystal.   The crystals have sharp acute angles that are a marked contrast from other sulfides that generally have only obtuse angles.

 

Arsenopyite