Realgar Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Unlike most unremarkably opaque and metallic sulfides, realgar defies convention with its dazzling and striking ruby-red hues.

Realgar is a rare mineral with a rich historical past, spanning medicine and the arts.

Today, however, realgar’s beauty is recognized as a double-edged sword; For this alluring and unique gemstone comes at a dangerous price.

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything there is to know about the fiery oddball of the sulfide world — from its meaning and properties to its history, formation, and everything in between.

About Realgar Stone

So what are some fun facts about realgar?

Realgar’s name derives from the Arabic rahj al-ghar, meaning "powder of the mine." This is likely because the semi-precious gemstone was initially mined for its use in medicinal and cosmetic applications.

Other monikers for realgar include:

• Ruby sulfur

• Ruby of arsenic

• Red arsenic

Although it’s a gem to approach with caution, realgar is said to be a particularly supportive zodiac stone for the Capricorn sign in astrology.

Chemically, what is realgar made of?

Realgar Specifications & Characteristics

Except for its distinct color, realgar resembles sulfides in most other aspects.

The mineral is composed of half arsenic and half sulfur. Registering between 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, you can scratch realgar with merely a penny or fingernail.

Realgar is often confused with orpiment, even being dubbed “red orpiment” by some.

What is the difference between realgar and orpiment? For one, realgar is a deep, orangey-red mineral, while orpiment is typically yellow or yellowish-orange. They also have entirely different crystal structures (orpiment is orthorhombic).

Here’s an overview of realgar’s mineral traits:

• Chemical formula: As4S4

• Mineral family: Sulfides

• Mohs hardness: 1.5 to 2

• Color: Dark red to orange-red

• Crystal structure: Monoclinic

• Luster: Resinous/Greasy

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Refractive index: 2.538 to 2.704

• Density: 3.56 to 3.60

• Cleavage: Distinct/Good

• Fracture: Conchoidal

• Tenacity: Sectile

• Streak: Orange-red to red

• Pleochroism: Present; Nearly colorless to pale golden yellow

So exactly how toxic is realgar crystal?

Toxicity of Realgar

As one of the principal sources of poisonous arsenic, realgar is highly toxic and should be handled accordingly. Arsenic is a naturally-occurring chemical element found in the Earth’s crust. Unfortunately, it’s also a toxic substance.

What are the side effects of realgar toxicity? Arsenic can cause serious health problems if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Long-term exposure is linked to cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, other health problems, and death.

Many have tried to modify realgar's structure or properties and reduce its toxicity, but they have yet to be successful.

What is the smell of realgar? This mineral emits a distinct odor, resembling a strong, garlic-like scent. This results from its arsenic content, which releases a distinct smell in reaction to other chemicals or heat.

Realgar’s distinct smell is useful for distinguishing it from other minerals.

That said, you must handle realgar carefully, taking necessary precautions like wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area.

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to realgar or have symptoms of arsenic poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

Moving on, does realgar have any historical significance?

Pictured above: Chinese Bowl imitating realgar with opaque glass, Qing Dynasty (late 18th–early 19th century) | Image credit: Metropolitan Museum, Public Domain

Realgar Meaning & History

Realgar has a long, rich history going back to ancient times. Its discovery isn’t credited to any one individual, but the earliest mention of the mineral traces back to the 1390s.

Historical records show that traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic practices used realgar powder as both a poison and a medicine for centuries.

Realgar was commonly used to produce paint pigment because of its bright, rich color. From ancient times to the Renaissance, cultures from the Mediterranean region to China all had realgar pigment.

Today, what can realgar be used for? Because of its toxicity and health risks, realgar’s use in medicine and art has declined. Now, it’s primarily used to produce fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.

Despite its risks, realgar is a gemstone many believe possesses potent healing abilities.

Realgar Healing Properties

Contrary to popular belief, realgar’s dangers don’t cancel out its purported metaphysical properties. Nonetheless, you should take great care if using the mineral as a healing stone.

Physical Healing

Physically, realgar uses its energy to stimulate growth on a cellular level.

Like many red gems, it may also enhance fertility, remedy sexual issues, and amplify sexual energy and passion.

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, realgar is a potent heart healer. Many believe this stone clears out poison accumulated in the mind, erasing emotional traumas and promoting positive thinking.

As a chakra stone for the solar plexus (or Manipura) chakra, realgar stimulates intellect and provides insight in times of uncertainty or stagnancy.

Curious about how realgar’s value is determined? The grading process will provide some insight.

Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Realgar Gemstone Properties

To determine a gem’s value, experts grade them based on different characteristics — typically color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Realgar, however, isn’t commonly used as a gemstone because of its toxicity and instability, so there aren’t any standard grading systems for realgar gems.

That said, some collectors and sellers will appraise realgar specimens based on color, clarity, and overall appearance.

Color

Realgar typically occurs as a bright, saturated red-to-orange color. Sometimes it may appear yellow, brown, or grayish. Its colors are a product of the presence of arsenic sulfide in its composition.

In terms of rarity, the most common colors of realgar are red and orange, while the rarest colors are yellow, brown, and grayish.

Cut

Cut gem-quality realgar is extremely rare. Not only is it nearly impossible to wear safely, but it’s a very fragile stone. Since it's sectile (cuttable) with good cleavage, faceting presents challenges. Realgar is also light-sensitive and unstable in heat and moisture.

For these reasons, realgar isn’t commonly cut into different gem shapes or sold in cabochon form.

Instead, you’ll usually find realgar as a rough specimen in its natural crystal form.

Clarity

Realgar is typically opaque, seldom occurring with transparency.

The most common inclusions in realgar are other sulfides, quartz, and calcite. Sometimes, these inclusions can occur in zoning or banding patterns that add to the stone’s visual interest.

Carat Weight & Size

You’ll find realgar for sale in a variety of units, including carats, grams, or ounces.

Faceted realgars generally range from small, roughly one-carat stones and rarely exceed 3 or 4 carats. The same goes for cabochons.

Rough realgar also varies in size, ranging from small fragments to larger chunks or crystals. Large, dense specimens typically garner higher prices.

Shifting gears, what type of rock is realgar found in?

Realgar Formation & Sources

Realgar usually occurs in sedimentary rocks, mainly limestone and marl formations. It forms as a secondary mineral in hot springs or hydrothermal veins, which form when hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through cracks and fissures in Earth's crust.

These fluids often contain arsenic, sulfur, and other elements that combine to form realgar crystals. Over time, as the fluids cool and the minerals precipitate out, realgar deposits form in the fractures and cavities of the surrounding rock.

In some cases, realgar forms as the alteration of other arsenic-bearing minerals, like orpiment, in sulfur-rich fluids.

As for where realgar is mined…

Mining Locations

Realgar occurs all over the world, but the most notable deposits include:

• China

• Czech Republic

• Germany

• Japan

• Peru

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Switzerland

• United States (mainly Utah and Nevada)

Ready to learn how much this dangerously captivating mineral costs?

Realgar Price & Value

Since realgar isn’t commonly sold as a gem for jewelry, its market is relatively small. Instead, realgar’s value varies highly depending on the specific specimen and its demand at the time of sale.

The cost of rough (or uncut) realgar varies depending on size, quality, and appearance. You can find low-quality specimens for a few dollars per carat, while higher-quality ones can reach several hundred dollars.

There isn’t a market for faceted realgar or cabochons because of the mineral’s low hardness and toxicity.

Knowing how to care for your gem is critical for both you and your realgar.

Realgar Care and Maintenance

Realgar is prone to deterioration if exposed to light, heat, or moisture. It’s also soft, fragile, and toxic. For these reasons, you must handle realgar with care and caution.

When handling realgar, always wear gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask to avoid any harmful exposure.

If you must clean your realgar, simply wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Store it by itself in a dark, airtight container away from curious hands. Then, wash your hands immediately.

To preserve realgar, keep it away from:

• Extreme heat or humidity

• Bright light

• Water

• Ultrasonic/steam cleaners

• Harder gemstones

Intoxicate Bad Energy with Realgar!

Realgar is truly a showstopper, contradicting everything you think you know about sulfides. Its stunning ruby-red glow and lustrous transparency make it an anomaly among its often dull, opaque counterparts.

If you’re looking for a mineral that’s anything but ordinary, look no further than fiery-red realgar to shake up your crystal collection.

Buy realgar and other unique gemstones today!