A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

160

The Nitrogen Group

This ore is found in

hot volcanic springs.

This tip

is an alloy

of arsenic

and lead.

Arsenic

As

33

Forms

Uses

Arsenic is often called the “king of poisons”.

Every form of arsenic – either pure or in a

compound – is poisonous to animals. In fact,

arsenic poisons have been used for centuries.

This semi-metal is found in several minerals with

striking colours, including orpiment. Naturally

occurring pure arsenic has a shiny, grey colour.

Arsenic compounds are used in making some

rat poisons. The leading use of arsenic today

is for strengthening lead. This is done by mixing

arsenic with lead to create a tough alloy that is

often used in car batteries.

O

rp

im

en

t

B

u

ll

et

s

Rat poison

Car batter y

Metallic

shine

Until the 1800s,

this mineral was

powdered for use

in paints.

These leaves

absorb arsenic

from soil.

This poisonous arsenic

compound kills rats.

The electrodes

inside this battery

contain arsenic.

C

hi

ne

se

br

ak

e

fe

rn

Realgar

When

heated,

arsenic doesn’t

melt, instead it

turns into

a gas.

33 33 42

State: Solid

Discovery: c. 1250

Pure arsenic refined

in a laboratory

160-161_Arsenic_Antimony.indd 160 12/12/16 5:40 pm