What is Realgar and what is its chemical formula?
Q: What is Realgar and what is its chemical formula?
A: Realgar is a mineral and its chemical formula is As4S4.
Q: What is Realgar's hardness and color?
A: Realgar's hardness is between 1.5 and 2 on the Mohs scale, and it is a soft red mineral.
Q: What is Realgar used for?
A: Realgar is an ore of arsenic and it was used to make a white color in fireworks before the use of powdered metals. It is still used in some crackling firecrackers. It was also used as a red pigment and an item of trade. In China, it is used as a medicine.
Q: What happens to Realgar when it is exposed to light?
A: Realgar changes into a yellow powder when exposed to light. This yellow powder is called pararealgar.
Q: What happens when Realgar melts?
A: Realgar melts at 320°C and burns with a blue flame, making arsenic and sulfur fumes.
Q: How is Realgar's usage similar to that of orpiment?
A: Realgar's uses are similar to orpiment, a similar mineral.
Q: What is the significance of Realgar's use as fireworks?
A: Realgar was used to make a white color in fireworks before the use of powdered metals, which shows its use in traditional Chinese celebrations and other cultures that used fireworks.
