Arsenic
From Chemistry Resource
| Arsenic
| |
|---|---|
| Symbol | As |
| Atomic number | 33 |
| Atomic mass | 74.9216 amu |
Arsenic, was discovered about 1250.
Distinguishing properties
Arsenic is classified as a semimetal. When heated, it sublimes.
Occurrence
Like antimony and bismuth, arsenic occurs in nature sulfide ores, As2S3, orpiment. It can also be found in ores of various metals such as copper, lead, silver, and mercury.
- The name orpigment is derived from the latin aurpigmentum meaning 'gold pigment'. This mineral was widely used by medieval artists as a gold yellow colourant. This arsenic compound was widely used to make many colours and to imitate gold.
Usage
Although all arsenic compounds are poisonous, some of its compounds were once medicines. But most of their uses in this area are now banned. Although 0.1 gram doses of arsenic are lethal to humans, traces of arsenic can stimulate the production of red blood cells.
