In the modern world, minerals - treasures from the bowels of the Earth - have found very wide application. They are used in almost every industry, from printed circuit boards to cookware. Some stones and minerals look so beautiful and attractive that, wherever they are found, they immediately become part of the interior. However, this natural beauty can be deceiving. Occasionally, minerals crystallizing in rocks can be incredibly toxic and deadly.
These 10 stones and minerals, despite their beauty, are not recommended not only not to be kept in home collections, but also to avoid any contact with them.
Coloradoite
The mineral, discovered by scientists relatively recently, poses a double toxic threat to those who, without the appropriate experience, decide to do something with it. It is formed under the conditions of low- and medium-temperature hydrothermal process of mineral formation in veins during the alloy of mercury with tellurium. When heated and chemically attacked, coloradoite begins to emit harmful fumes and dust.
Chalcanthite
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Copper sulphate can be found naturally in the form of minerals. One of them is chalcanthite. The contact of the mineral with the skin is safe, but if the compound enters the body, it can cause severe poisoning and thermal burns. Ingestion of a solid of 8 to 30 grams is fatal. The toxicity of chalcanthite was previously used to kill algae in ponds and pools, until it was discovered that its use had severe environmental consequences.
Thallium
Shiny silver metal with a bluish tinge is highly toxic. It can enter the body through the respiratory system, intact skin and digestive tract. The effect of the poison lasts for several weeks, despite the fact that on the 3-4th day the signs of poisoning can be replaced by good health. Departure is also dangerous because often the clinical picture resembles influenza or bronchopneumonia. The lethal dose of thallium for humans is 600 mg.
Galena
Galena is 87% lead and is the main ore for its extraction. As you know, lead and its compounds are toxic. The toxic effect is associated with the ability to form bonds with a large number of ligand anions. As a result of these compounds, protein synthesis and enzyme activity is suppressed, as well as the normal functioning of cells and a number of physiological processes. Excess lead in the body causes irritability, memory loss, headaches, weight loss, anemia, and many other negative consequences.
Asbestos
The most dangerous are amphiboles. Asbestos dust is a carcinogen. Being acid resistant, amphibole asbestos is practically not excreted from the body. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause a number of dangerous diseases such as asbestosis, mesoselioma, lung cancer and other cancers. The safest of all types of asbestos is chrysotile. The use of amphibole asbestos is banned worldwide.
Arsenopyrite
Arsenopyrite is the main ore mineral for the production of arsenic and its compounds. It is often called fool's gold. Taking it for gold, they take it with them. Failure to wash your hands thoroughly and start cooking or eating with them after contact with the mineral can lead to serious consequences. With an insignificant concentration, you can get off with fever, loss of appetite and insomnia, large doses threaten with vomiting, decreased blood pressure, dehydration and other disorders in the body.
Thorburnite
The mineral with a beautiful green color, which many would like to decorate their shelves, contains about 50% uranium, therefore serves as an indicator of its deposits. Not only should it not be brought into the house, but also taken in hand. The mineral releases radon, which is dangerous to health, which can cause lung cancer.
Antimonite
According to legend, in the 15th century, in one of the European monasteries, antimonite in the form of a powder began to be given to pigs. Noticing that they get fat well from its use, they decided to try the same on the monks, but in the morning everyone who tried the dish with antimonite died. Antimony sulphide causes severe food poisoning and can be fatal at high concentrations. Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with the mineral.
Orpiment
A mineral of the sulfide class is used to obtain arsenic. For all its external beauty, the mineral is toxic and can cause severe poisoning and the development of oncological diseases. 0.05 grams of arsenic is a lethal dose for an adult. Knowing about the toxicity of the mineral, in the old days, the Chinese lowered arrows into oripigment powder and shot them at their enemies.
Cinnabar
Mercury sulfide is considered the most toxic of all hazardous minerals. When processed and heated, it can release pure mercury. The mineral itself is oxidized by air to form a poisonous powder. Mercury vapors, in turn, cause severe poisoning, affecting the brain and nervous system and many other organs.
