Toxic Minerals – Handle with Care
Don't be afraid, Be educated
We must stress please don't be afraid, be educated! And avoid licking random rocks.
This is a short but not complete list of minerals that require special care. It is the collector’s responsibility to ensure they know how to handle their specimens. Find information to educate yourself on each crystal, mineral or specimen you own. When in doubt exercise caution using gloves. A few across-the-board rules are: don’t inhale dust, ingest or lick crystals & washing hands is a good idea.
Minerals Requiring Extra Caution
Cinnabar
Mercury Sulfide – releases mercury if disturbed.
Orpiment
Arsenic & Sulfur – toxic if powder is inhaled/ingested.
Stibnite
Antimony Sulfide – handle with care (preferably gloves), wash hands.
Tobernite
Uranium Phosphorous, Copper & Uranium – gives off toxic gas & emits radiation.
Arsenopyrite
Iron Sulfide Arsenic – if disturbed releases toxic gas with garlic odour.
Chrysotile (illegal to sell in Australia) & Amphibolite
Asbestos – toxic if inhaled.
Galena
Lead ore – toxic dust, handle with care, wash hands.
Calcanthite
Copper Sulfate – bioavailable & water soluble, toxic in high quantities if ingested/inhaled.
Phenakite, Emerald & all Beryls
Contains beryllium – toxic dust.
Malachite
Copper – toxic dust & bioavailable, water soluble, toxic in high quantities if ingested/inhaled. Fibrous forms are best kept bagged.
Hutchinsonite
Thallium, Lead & Arsenic – handle with caution (preferably gloves), wash hands. Don’t inhale.
Crocidolite
Blue Asbestos – toxic if inhaled.
Conichalcite
Arsenic mineral – toxic dust, wash hands.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to be scared of these crystals – most are completely harmless when collected as a viewing specimen or used in jewellery. We are happy to assist with any question on this matter..
*Information is general guidance. Always research and verify safety before handling any mineral specimen.
