Top 10 Most Deadly Rocks and Minerals

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Top 10 Most Deadly Rocks and Minerals

It is not that gold that glitters. Sometimes this sparkling "gold" can even kill you! And it is not a joke. Have you ever noticed beautiful rocks and minerals lying on the ground as if begging you to pick them up? Of course, lots of them are gorgeous and cannot cause harm. However, if you travel somewhere to the exotic countries or mountainous territories, you are likely to find lots of weird rocks which can be poisonous. Therefore, next time you decide to pick up unusual stones, think twice. Or at least bear in mind our list of minerals which can be deadly.

We have gathered the most important information about deceptive rocks which allure by their beauty but can virtually kill anyone. All of them are very exotic and attractive; it is impossible not to notice them. However, be careful with any unusual rock you see in order to keep safe.

Coloradoite

During the period of Gold Fever, Coloradoite was often taken for gold. It is usually called fools gold rock. And it does contain a certain amount of precious metal. However, the danger of this crystal is hidden in its ability to emit toxic vapor. It can cause ulcers, tumors, and scarring.

Chalcanthite

Chalcanthite is very captivating because it has alluring azure. However, when somebody touches it, its perfection disappears. The mineral contains copper which is capable of killing people by disrupting the work of the internal organs. Moreover, this crystal dissolves in water quickly, so the territories where it is found are in a poor ecological state.

Cinnabar

Cinnabar color resembles blood. Therefore its name means "dragons blood." The mineral is formed near volcanoes. Its location already gives signs about danger. As it contains particles of mercury, it can cause tremor and death. In the XVIII century, people who were sent to work in mines with Cinnabar perceived this work as death sentence.

Torbernite

This amazing crystal is created due to the interaction of water, copper, phosphorus, and uranium. Such an unusual combination provides a rich dark-olive color. This substance emits radioactive alpha particles which destroy live cells. Minuscule particles get into human's body with water and air, causing lung cancer, leukemia, or other serious illnesses.

Arsenopyrite

The tempting Arsenopyrite is on the dangerous minerals list. It can cause death in less than a minute if the temperature becomes high. By only warming it up in hands, it starts giving off toxic and cancerogenic vapors. When the crystal is damaged, it emits garlic syringe. So, before picking something up, check its smell!

Stibnite

This silver-looking rock resembles a bunch of shiny steel swords - needle and prismatic crystals which are assembled into fan-shaped splints. However, its poisonous characteristics are even compared to that of Galena mineral. It can cause dermatitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, gastritis, and even lead to oncological diseases.

Galena

These charming blue minerals hide in their beauty lots of venom. It is known that people who hold Galena, often suffer from lung diseases. As this crystal contains lots of lead, miners are the most vulnerable. The dust in mines penetrates into lungs, blocking the airways and leading to asthma exacerbation.

Hutchinsonite

This mineral can be found in the Western Europe. Its fantastic vivid coloring is created due to the high concentration of arsenic, lead, and thallium. Each of these elements can cause death alone. Imagine their triple power! Such deadly types of minerals affect the nervous system and lead to rapid hair loss.

Orpiment

The mineral names come from the words "Aurum" meaning "gold" and "pigmentum" – paint. Amazing golden, yellow, saffron and orange crystals resemble a sparkling brush which looks very exotic and tempting, but their luster is fatal because of the carcinogenic and neurotoxic arsenic. Even one touch can poison a person.

Asbestos Chrysotile and Amphibolite

These minerals and rocks are located in Brazil, Italy, Canada, South Africa, and Russia. They are used in industry and construction. However, its production should be done very carefully. If the vapor of this rock gets into the respiratory tract, it damages alveoli, leaving inner scars and ulcers. It can also lead to oncological diseases.