Pararealgar is an alteration product formed when the mineral realgar is exposed to light, causing its crystal structure to break down. It typically appears as a yellow-orange, crumbly coating or powdery mass on realgar specimens. Collectors should keep specimens in dark, airtight containers to prevent further degradation.
Is this pararealgar?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch pararealgar with a known reference. Pararealgar sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pararealgar leaves a orange-yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pararealgar typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, yellow-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, or as a crust formed by the alteration of realgar.
Often confused with
Pararealgar vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pararealgar
Minerals reported to co-occur with pararealgar. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- As₄S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Orange-yellow
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Or as A Crust Formed By The Alteration of Realgar
- Cleavage
- Distinct in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Low-temperature Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find pararealgar
Classic worldwide localities
- Allchar, North Macedonia
- Cibola County, New Mexico, USA
- Getchell mine, Nevada, USA
- Lengenbach, Binntal, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in low-temperature hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where pararealgar typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, arsenolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, or as a crust formed by the alteration of realgar habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pararealgar?+
Where is pararealgar found?+
How much is pararealgar worth?+
Is pararealgar safe to handle?+
What rocks look like pararealgar?+
What minerals are found with pararealgar?+
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Find pararealgar on the map
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