Arsenopyrite
Science & Origin of Arseopyrite
Arsenopyrite, historically called Mispickel, is an arsenic iron sulfide that crystallizes in the form of granular, prismatic, cubic, striated, and masses. Its color is lustrous grey or silver, closely resembling steel, but can also be found brown, pink, and iridescent when exposed to elements such as oxygen or heat. Arsenopyrite can be found in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and marble that has additional crystal formations such as Galena, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, and Quartz. This mineral is also an indicator of potential Silver, Gold, and Lead impurities. The official recording of this mineral in the scientific community was in 1847 by Ernst Friedrich Glocker, but has been known historically for many centuries before that. He chose this name due to the heavy presence of arsenic within this variety of Pyrite. Deposits of Arsenopyrite can be found all around the world with important localities located in Spain, Canada, Russia, Portugal, China, and the USA.
Safe to Handle
Arsenopyrite has a large amount of Arsenic within the crystal, which classifies it as a toxic mineral. It is safe to be held and meditate with, but we advise against inhaling tiny dust particles, as well as heating up the crystal which can release toxic fumes. As always when handling any raw and rough crystals, we highly recommend you wash your hands after usage.
Meaning & Energy of Arsenopyrite
Arsenopyrite shares the same energies as Pyrite and can be a great tool for manifestation, grounding, and attraction. Just as you would meditate with Pyrite and imbue yourself with the law of attraction, one can easily activate their lower chakras with Arsenopyrite as well. The strength is debated amongst the spiritual and metaphysical community, with some practitioners believing Arsenopyrite has increased strength over just iron Pyrite. We believe that the grounding potential is stronger in Arsenopyrite and really helps one channel their mental and emotional aspirations into the physical world with ease.
Inclusions of Other Energies
Finding a chunk of Arsenopyrite may be challenging (as is not the case with Pyrite) but most pieces will contain a secondary mineral which only increases the strength of energy it outputs. We have experienced multiple Arsenopyrite deposits that have been formed within Quartz, allowing the full chakra system within you to expand and illuminate during times of deep meditation. As always, crystals are personal preferences with their energies corresponding differently to each individual practitioner. Allow yourself the chance to work with both of these highly energetic crystals until you are able to decide which one better suits your personal narrative. The Arsenopyrite deposits out of the Yunnan province in China are some of our favorites from around the globe, due to the prismatic milky sulfur Quartz crystal that forms alongside it.
