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Formula: As2O3
Simple oxide of arsenic,
paramorph of claudetite
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 3.86 to 3.88 measured, 3.88 calculated
Hardness: 1½
Streak: White to pale yellowish white
Colour: White, bluish; reddish to yellowish if impure with realgar or orpiment; colourless in transmitted light
Solubility: Slightly soluble in hot water
Environments:
Hydrothermal environments
Coal-seam fires
Arsenolite is an oxidation product of other arsenic-bearing sulphides
in hydrothermal veins, and it
also may be formed in mine fires or in burning coal seams.
(Dana, HOM). Associated minerals include claudetite,
realgar,
orpiment and erythrite
(HOM).
At Rauenthal, Haute-Rhin, France, arsenolite forms as a direct oxidation product on
native arsenic
(Dana).
At Sorbier, Loire, France, arsenolite forms from burning coal dumps
(Dana).
At Andreasberg, Hartz, Germany, arsenolite is found as an alteration product of
skutterudite and other arsenides
(Dana).
At the type locality,St Andreasberg, Braunlage, Goslar District, Lower Saxony, Germany, arsenolite
occurs as an oxidation product of arsenic-bearing sulphides in hydrothermal
veins
(Mindat).
At the Lauta mine, near Marienberg, Saxony, Germany, arsenolite forms as an alteration product of
arsenic
(Dana).
At Bou Azzer, Morocco, arsenolite occurs in strongly weathered ores associated with
erythrite, and with
cobaltkoritnigite at Aghbar
(MinRec 38.5.360).
At Morococha, Peru, arsenolite is associated with realgar and
orpiment
(Dana).
At the exchequer and Monitor mines, Alpine county, California, USA, arsenolite formed as an alteration product
of enargite
(Dana).
At the White Caps mine, Nye county, Nevada, USA, arsenolite formed from the burning of the shaft
(Dana).
At the Ophir mine, Storey county, Nevada, USA, arsenolite forms as an alteration of
native arsenic
(Dana).
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