Chemical Properties
red or orange solid; naturally occurring mineral; can be manufactured by heating iron pyrites and arsenopyrite; used in pyrotechnics [KIR78]
Occurrence
Arsenic sulfide occurs in nature as the mineral realgar. It is used as a pigment; in pyrotechnics to produce blue fire; in dyeing and calico printing; and as a depilatory for hides.
Uses
As pigment in painting; in fireworks as blue fire and to give an intense white flame; manufacture of shot; calico printing and dyeing; tanning and depilating hides.
Preparation
Arsenic sulfide is prepared commercially by heating a mixture of iron pyrites and arsenopyrite; or by heating arsenic trioxide with sulfur. The compound is then sublimed and collected. It may be also made from arsenic sesquisulfide - by either heating with sodium bicarbonate in a sealed tube or on prolong treatment with boiling solution of sodium carbonate.
