REALGAR



Realgar, an arsenic sulfide mineral, was first reported from Sterling Hill by Palache (1941b); it is associated with arsenopyrite, pyrite, arsenic, and other species. It has not been reported from Franklin.
Realgar occurs in deformed and irregular crystals. It is bright red to dark red; powders, films, and finely-disseminated grains may be orange. The luster is resinous to vitreous and cleavages are present. There are no analytical data for local material.
Realgar was noted by Palache (1941b) from the 900 level at Sterling Hill, associated with graphite, pyrite, and arsenopyrite in calcite. Nearly the same assemblage was found abundantly in the late 1970's by John Kolic on the 900 and 1100 levels. [Dunn’s] dissolution of a small part of the calcite matrix found the same species found earlier and clinopyroxene, quartz, and microcline. The 900-level occurrence was particularly important because it hosts a substantial number of rare and unusual sulfosalts such as baumhauerite, seligmannite, and others. (Dunn, 1995)

 Location Found: Ogdensburg
     
 
     
 Formula: As4S4
 Essential Elements: Arsenic, Sulfur
 All Elements in Formula: Arsenic, Sulfur
     
 IMA Status: Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
     
     
 To find out more about this mineral at minDat's website, follow this link   Realgar

     
 References:
Dunn, Pete J. (1995). Franklin and Sterling Hill New Jersey: the world's most magnificent mineral deposits. Franklin, NJ.: The Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society. p.552

Frondel, Clifford (1972). The minerals of Franklin and Sterling Hill, a checklist. NY.: John Willey & Sons. p.73
The Picking Table References
 PT Issue and PageDescription / Comment
View IssueV. 34, No. 2 - Fall 1993, pg. 14Recent Mineral Finds From The Sterling Mine Ogdensburg, New Jersey - Arsenic-Bearing Minerals
View IssueV. 19, No. 2 - September 1978, pg. 5Recent Mineral Occurrences at Sterling Hill by Stephen Sanford - Realgar (small article)
View IssueV. 17, No. 2 - September 1976, pg. 7The Post Palache Minerals - Realgar
     
Images
     
Realgar on calcite Sterling Hill Mine, Ogdensburg NJ
Realgar (red) on calcite from east branch of west limb, 800 to 900 ft level Sterling Hill Mine, Ogdensburg NJ. Non-fluorescent, field of view about 3/4". (18 mm). From the collection of, and photo by WP.






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