A bed of dark orange orpiment crystals from one of the top localities in the world for orpiment crystals –  the Jiepayu Mine, Shimen, China. These crystals are sharp, lustrous and well-developed. In excellent  condition (a couple of incomplete peripheral crystals and minor rubs visible with magnification). A very cool, instructional piece, as one can see around the sides how long the crystals are, even though the exposed terminations might suggest the individual crystals are small. From the collection of the well known crystallographer Pete Richards (#3170), these are very fine orpiment crystals.

NB orpiment is light-sensitive and will deteriorate if not kept in a dark place – however, it can be well preserved if kept in the dark (i.e. in a box) – this specimen has been in Pete’s collection since 1995 and is as bright today as the day he acquired it.