Properties

Atomic Number	33
CAS Registry Number	7440-38-2
Chemical Symbol	As

History

Arsenicthe atomic number is 33 and the chemical symbol is As. The name derives from the Latin arsenicum and the Greek arsenikos for the arsenic ore yellow orpiment (As2S3 an ancient dye stuff) and sounds similar to the Greek arsenikon for male or potent perhaps referring to its poisonous properties. The term orpiment is perhaps a corruption of auripigmentum meaning gold color. Arsenic was also known in prehistoric times for its poisonous sulfides. German scientist and philosopher Albert von Bollstadt (Albert the Great/Albertus Magnus) is thought to have obtained the metal around 1250 but this is uncertain.

Holden, Norman E., (2004). History of the origin of the chemical elements and their discoverers. National Nuclear Data Center. Retrieved from http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/content/elements.html