【Naming】
【Source】
Song Kaibao
【Frequency of Use】
F
【Origin】
It is an ore of the oxide mineral Arsenolite. Alternatively, it can be a processed product of sulfide minerals such as poisonous Cinnabar (Shā), Realgar (Xióng Huáng), Orpiment (Cí Huáng), and other arsenic-containing minerals.
【Characteristics】
There are two types: Red Arsenic Trioxide and White Arsenic Trioxide. Red Arsenic Trioxide is mainly used for medicinal purposes.
(1) Red Arsenic Trioxide: Also known as Red Alum or Red Arsenic. It is an irregular lump, varying in size. White in color, with yellow and red halos, slightly transparent or opaque, with a glassy, silky, or dull luster. Brittle and easily crushed. Odorless. This product is extremely poisonous. Do not taste. The best quality is in lumps, with a reddish and lustrous color, clear straight lines, and no residue.
(2) White Arsenic Trioxide: Also known as White Arsenic. It is an irregular lump, varying in size, colorless or white, transparent or opaque, with a glassy, silky, or dull luster. Brittle and easily crushed. Odorless.
【Processing】
1. Arsenic Trioxide (Xin Shi) 2. Arsenic (Pi Shuang)
【Identification】
“Compendium of Materia Medica”: “Raw arsenic trioxide with a red color is better, and refined arsenic (Pi Shuang) with a white color is better,” “Those that hang down like the tips of breasts are superior for medicinal use.”
This product is extremely poisonous and should not be tasted. Red Arsenic Trioxide is best when in lumps, reddish and lustrous in color, with clear straight lines and crystalline structures, and no residue. The red one is better when it has a mixture of red, yellow, white, and brown, commonly known as the “five-flower layer.” Generally, Red Arsenic Trioxide is mostly used for medicinal purposes. White Arsenic Trioxide is best when in lumps, white in color, with clear straight lines, and no residue.
【Category】
Minerals