The origin for the name "arsenic" doesn't seem to be well known, but it most probably is derived from the Greek word "arsenikon," a name given to a mineral known as orpiment, which arsenic sulfide (As₂S₃). It may also be related to a Persian word "al-zarnik" which also refers to the same mineral.

Arsenic is widely known as a toxic substance, and has been known at least in mineral form (such as orpiment) for thousands of years. Arsenic in the form of orpiment (As₂S₃) was used as a bright yellow pigment in paintings, especially by Dutch masters in the 17^th century. Unfortunately, these artists did not know that the arsenic would oxidize to become arsenic oxide (As₂O₃). Today, arsenic has a little commercial value, as it is used to make certain types of glass, as a wood preservative, and as a semiconductor.

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