Significance of Orpiment
Orpiment, according to Rasashastra, is a yellow arsenic sulfide mineral used in medicinal preparations and processes such as the incineration of brass and diamond transformation. It is valued for its believed health properties and is a critical component in the medicinal paste. Additionally, in modern mineralogy, Orpiment is equated with Haratala, recognized for its therapeutic applications. Overall, Orpiment plays a significant role both in ancient practices and contemporary understanding of its mineralogical properties.
Synonyms: Arsenic trisulfide, Yellow arsenic, Yellow orpiment
In Finnish: Orpimentti; In Spanish: Oropimente
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Orpiment'
Orpiment in Hinduism is interpreted as a yellow arsenic sulfide mineral valued for its medicinal properties, traditionally incorporated into therapeutic formulations and various purification processes, highlighting its significance in healing practices.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A type of mineral used in the preparation of the medicine.[1] (2) A chemical compound listed as one of the components in the mixture.[2] (3) A mineral compound used in the mixture for its believed health properties.[3] (4) A yellow mineral traditionally used for its therapeutic benefits, part of the medicine ingredients.[4] (5) A yellow arsenic sulfide mineral used in the composition mentioned.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A chemical substance that is used alongside sulphur when smeared on Varta-loha before incineration.[6] (2) A substance to be rubbed with bug’s blood and used to encase the diamond in the first process.[7] (3) A mineral used in the paste for incinerating brass, indicating an additional chemical component in the process.[8] (4) A yellow arsenic sulfide mineral used in the second incineration process, enhancing the transformation of the diamond.[9]
The concept of Orpiment in local and regional sources
Orpiment is a yellow pigment significant in alchemical processes and is utilized in recipes for creating emeralds and topaz, despite not being classified within the yellow group of dyes.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a yellow pigment that plays a large role in alchemical processes, though it is not listed in the yellow group of dyes, and it is used in the recipes for making emeralds and topaz.[10]