coolthingoftheday:

TOP TEN MOST DEADLY MINERALS IN THE WORLD

1. Arsenopyrite – 

Arsenopyrite, also known as arsenic iron sulfide, is sometimes mistaken for fool’s gold. When heated, it releases a lethal gas, but even just handling it can bring a person into contact with the poison. 

2. Chrysotile (asbestos) – Asbestos is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) and destroys the lungs when its tiny crystals become airborne and are breathed in by inhabitants. Best case scenario: lung irritation and scarring. Worst case scenario: mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that is specifically caused by exposure to asbestos.

3. Chalcanthite – When broken down, chalcanthite kills both animal and plant life by shutting down vital organs. It is so effective at doing this that its most common industrial use is as a plant-killer, to clear ponds of plant growth.

4. Coloradoite – 

Found in magma veins, coloradoite is what happens when mercury fuses with tellerium, another toxic heavy metal. When heated, it offgases a poisonous dust. It can also be dangerous if handled poorly.

5. Galena – Galena is extremely brittle, and turns into dust very easily. It can cause lead poisoning if exposed to for long periods of time.

6. Hutchinsonite – 

Hutchinsonite is what happens when lead, thallium, and arsenic fuse together. Found all over Europe, and can cause severe sickness, death and hair loss in people it comes in contact with.

7. Orpiment –

Found near hydrothermal vents, these rocks are made of arsenic and sulfur. Touching them is enough to release a neurotoxin, but some cultures have even used it as a weapon by rubbing arrowheads into its dust.

 

8. Stibnite – 

Once used as an alternative to silver for making utensils, these crystals killed many before production stopped. The antimony-laced rock can have a similar effect to arsenic poisoning in humans.

9. Torbernite – 

Found in granite and made of uranium, these green crystals have been long admired by collectors. As well as being radioactive, however, the rocks release deadly radon gas when heated.

10. Cinnabar – 

Cinnabar is one of the most toxic rocks on the planet. It forms near sulfur deposits and volcanoes. When heated or disturbed, the crystals can release mercury, which causes symptoms ranging from severe tremors to death. Ancient medicines, however, believed that the rock had healing powers.