Alexander Nutu Greenhorn Posts:1 
| 07 Jan 2021 10:40 PM |
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Hi friends, I am very new member and new to prospecting, I found a place near Prescott that had signs of digging around it on open land, and I came across what I think is ArsenoPyrite, lots of it, in addition to regular pyrite and maybe some chalcopyrite. Is it safe to handle Arsenopyrite? does one need gloves, a mask, or should I not even bother with the stuff? I got freaked out when I identified the mineralization I found as Arsenopyrite, have never heard of it before but really don't want Arsenic poisoning. I get the impression that it might only be dangerous when heated? Please let me know anything if anyone has any information! Thanks a ton and excited to be a part of the community here.
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Christopher Satkowski Highbanker Posts:112
| 12 Jan 2021 03:43 PM |
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I don't think you'll find a lot of people who can answer that question that do that type of mining now, maybe 60 years ago, so unfortunately, if it bothers you, you have to play it safe.
There are harmful things out there, but they are few and far between. I met a guy who wandered onto decades old cyanide bleach pond that ended up having headaches for years.
As far as arsenic, if I had to drink water for survival in AZ, I've been told the stagnant pools that are clean have a higher chance of arsenic poisoning, so the greener looking the healthier and safer the water. I try to avoid that by bringing a lot of water and having more than one way to get back.
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ARTHUR WAUGH Advanced Member Posts:967
| 12 Jan 2021 10:11 PM |
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Might run the question by the mineral dept of a local college or university.
At the very least, gloves and some kind of breathing protection. Followed by a nice long shower.
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Lia McVicker New Member Posts:36
| 13 Jan 2021 03:48 PM |
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Hi Alexander, oooohhh, this is bad stuff. I'm not an expert and don't have a degree in geology. But since you know what it is, I wouldn't tempt fate. I did a little research for you and it says that the "dust" of Arsenopyrite is deadly if inhaled and when heated it produces poisonous sulfur and arsenic fumes which can be fatal if inhaled. While it has a usefulness in insulation, it's fibers can cause lung cancer, sound familiar? I would just let it lie there, do not disturb. No amount of safety clothing not even an oxygen tank with gas mask would make me go near it...just saying.
Lia
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