Description

Realgar, mineralogically designated as As₄S₄ (arsenic tetrasulfide), is a soft, orange-red monoclinic mineral of the arsenic sulfide group, occurring in hydrothermal ore veins, volcanic deposits, and hot spring sinters. Known as Manahshila in classical Ayurvedic mineralogy and as Zarnikh-e-Ahmar in Unani mineral pharmacopoeia, it is among the more potent heavy-metal mineral substances used in traditional South and East Asian medicine. Its application in classical preparations is governed by rigorous multi-step Shodhana (purification) procedures — including heating, repeated washings, and processing with specific herbal media — as described in the Rasa Shastra texts including the Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya. Classical references cite processed Manahshila in formulations for skin conditions and neurological preparations under strict practitioner supervision only.