Arsenic

"Arsenic"
Sometimes known as “The Poison of Kings” and “The King Of Poisons”.
Commonly found as a gray crystalline metal with toxic properties. Other forms include yellow, black, and white.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Grey arsenic is found in a flattened layered crystal shape. It is the most stable form and is quite brittle. Yellow and black form from rapid cooling of arsenic gas.
Yellow is soft, waxy, and readily evaporates or can turn into grey arsenic through light exposure. It is the most unstable and most toxic.
Black arsenic is glassy and brittle.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.

Geology & Geography

Arsenic is naturally found in volcanic ash, rock and mineral ores, and groundwater. It can be absorbed by plants, and usually found in leafy vegetables, rice, apples, and grape juice.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Often used in pesticide, insecticides, herbicide, and poisoning assassinations.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Some cultures use a white arsenic paste to pale the skin, implying that the person does not work outside in fields and is above such things. The paler the skin the higher the status. Occasional poisoning does occur.

Industrial Use

Occasionally used in the making of glass.

Refinement

Can be found as a grey metallic crystal that can be refined to produce yellow, black, and white arsenic.

Manufacturing & Products

White arsenic and be combined with other materials to produce a paste, that when applied to the skin, turns it pale.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Toxic arsenic gas is released into the air.

Hazards

Toxins are released into the environment.

Environmental Impact

Toxins may be absorbed by local plants, which then can be dangerous if eaten.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Grey, yellow, and black arsenic can all be found on the black market. White arsenic in a paste form can be purchased in some cultural shops.

Storage

All arsenics must be stored in a sealed container to prevent arsenic vapor from escaping. The lower the temperature the better.

Law & Regulation

Most locations consider it a crime to possess any arsenic in any form. Exceptions may occur for the white arsenic paste.

As

Type

Metal

Rarity

Very rare.

Color

May be grey, yellow, black, or white.

Density

Medium

Common State

Grey metallic crystal.

Related Professions

• Assassin