Extracting Arsenic from Arsenopyrite — The Poison King of the Elements

Arsenic (As, element 33) is one of the most infamous elements in history — its compounds were the preferred poison of the Borgias and countless murderers throughout the ages, earning it the title 'inheritance powder.' Yet arsenic has been known since antiquity: arsenic sulfide minerals (orpiment, As₂S₃, and realgar, As₄S₄) were used as pigments in ancient Egypt, and metallic arsenic was reportedly isolated by Albertus Magnus around 1250 CE by heating arsenopyrite (FeAsS) with soap.

Arsenopyrite (iron arsenic sulfide, FeAsS) is the most common arsenic mineral, containing 46% arsenic by mass. When heated strongly in a sealed vessel, arsenopyrite decomposes: the arsenic sublimes (passes directly from solid to gas without melting) and can be condensed as a grey, metallic solid on a cool surface. This thermal decomposition is the simplest route to elemental arsenic.

EXTREME HAZARD — LETHAL POISON: Arsenic and all its compounds are severely toxic. Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃, 'white arsenic') is lethal at doses as low as 70–180 mg — less than a quarter teaspoon. Chronic exposure causes cancer (lungs, skin, bladder), peripheral neuropathy, and organ damage. Arsine gas (AsH₃), which can form if arsenic contacts acids, is among the most toxic gases known. This blueprint is presented for historical and educational purposes. Any practical work with arsenic requires professional-grade containment, respiratory protection, and hazardous waste disposal. Check local regulations — possession of arsenic compounds is restricted in many jurisdictions.