Arsenic is a chemical element that has a metallic grey appearance and forms a number of poisonous compounds.
It is widely used in various industrial processes, such as glass making, pigments, textiles, and wood preservatives.
Arsenic is also a common n-type dopant in semiconductor electronic devices and a component of the compound semiconductor gallium arsenide.
Arsenic can look best in different contexts, depending on the purpose and the aesthetic preference of the observer.
For example, arsenic can look best as:
- A shiny metalloid element that reflects light and has a garlic-like smell when burned.
- A rhombohedral crystal structure that has a high density and hardness, and can be used for jewelry or decoration.
- A dark grey powder that can be mixed with other substances to create various colors and effects, such as the famous "Scheele's green" pigment that was used in paintings and wallpapers in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- A thin film that can be deposited on silicon wafers to create high-performance transistors and solar cells.
- A trace element that can enhance the growth and flavor of some plants, such as garlic, onions, and rice.
Of course, arsenic can also look very bad in some situations, especially when it is ingested or inhaled in its inorganic form, which can cause serious health problems, such as cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment.
Therefore, arsenic should always be handled with caution and respect, and never be used for malicious purposes.