A bright red-orange mineral composed of arsenic sulfide, historically used as a pigment in art and as a component in fireworks. Despite its beauty, it is highly toxic due to its arsenic content.
From Arabic rahj al-ghār, meaning 'powder of the mine' or 'dust of the cave,' referring to this mineral found in mining operations. The word entered Medieval Latin as risigallum, then passed into various European languages and English by the 14th century. The Arabic name reflects Islamic knowledge of mining and mineralogy.
Realgar's beautiful red-orange color made it a prized artist's pigment, but painters didn't know they were literally poisoning themselves with arsenic! Arab alchemists were among the first to document its toxic properties while still appreciating its vivid beauty.
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