Orpiment crystals from the Shimen Mine, Changde, Hunan Province, China– miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen displays intensely developed Orpiment crystals from the Shimen Mine near Changde, Hunan Province, China. The vivid orange to golden yellow crystals occur in dense groups and form a distinctive scaly tabular to prismatic crystal structure with clear orientation. Numerous lustrous crystal faces create lively light reflections and emphasize the characteristic resinous luster of Orpiment. Despite its compact size, the specimen shows strong visual impact and stands out for its rich coloration and pronounced crystalline texture.
Geology & Origin
The Shimen Mine in the Changde area of Hunan Province is a classic Chinese locality for arsenic bearing sulfide minerals. Orpiment formed here from low temperature, arsenic rich hydrothermal solutions crystallizing within fractures and zones of the host rock. The locality is well known for its vividly colored, crystal rich Orpiment specimens, which are highly regarded internationally.