Orpiment crystals from the Shimen Mine, Changde, Hunan Province, China – micromount as unique piece
This micromount specimen displays impressively developed Orpiment crystals from the Shimen Mine, Changde, Hunan Province, China. The intensely orange yellow to golden amber crystals are tightly grouped and form striking radiating aggregates with clearly defined tabular to prismatic crystal habits. Several crystals project prominently, giving the specimen a strong three dimensional presence. The vivid resinous luster combined with the high color saturation makes this small specimen visually powerful and highly appealing to collectors despite its compact size.
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.