It is found in volcanic fumaroles, low-temperature hydrothermal veins, and hot springs and may be formed through sublimation.

Orpiment takes its name from the Latin auripigmentum (aurum, "gold" + pigmentum, "pigment"), due to its deep-yellow color.

Their names symbolize their close natural conjunction, both physically in terms of their occurrence and properties and culturally in Chinese traditions.

Similarly, on ancient, orpiment-coated manuscript paper in Nepal, orpiment used to deter insects has often turned white over time.

[11] In a traditional Thai painting technique, still in use today, yellow ink for writing and drawing on black paper manuscripts is made using orpiment.

[citation needed] Orpiment has been identified on Norwegian wooden altar frontals, polychrome sculptures, and folk art objects, including a crucifix.

[citation needed] Orpiment was commonly combined with indigo dye to make a dark, rich green.

Orpiment is used to replicate the gold embroidery on Morosini's embroidered stole and to highlight the fur of the spotted ferret on his chest.

[17] For centuries, orpiment was ground down and used as a pigment in painting and for sealing wax, and was even used in ancient China as a correction fluid.

[19] Scientists like Richard Adolf Zsigmondy and Hermann Ambronn puzzled jointly over the amorphous form of As2S3, "orpiment glass", as early as 1904.

[20] Orpiment is used in the production of infrared-transmitting glass, oil cloth, linoleum, semiconductors, photoconductors, pigments, and fireworks.

Mixed with two parts of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), orpiment is still commonly used in rural India as a depilatory.

In 2023, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards recalled 40 pieces sold by TK Maxx between June and October 2022, due to the mineral's toxicity.