Hartaal

Orpiment is an orange to yellow mineral that is found worldwide, and occurs as a sublimation product in volcanic fumaroles, low temperature hydrothermal veins, hot springs and as a byproduct of the decay of another arsenic mineral, realgar. It is often found in association with realgar. It takes its name from the Latin auripigmentum (aurum - gold + pigmentum - pigment) because of its deep yellow color.

Sugested Reading: Pankaj Oudhia's Article on Hartaal.

• Ayurveda mentions 4 types of Hartal; Bugdadi, Godanti, Tabaki-Aashi, Pindtal. Further these 4 types have been classified into 2 distinct categories viz; Patri Hartal(First 3 varieties) and Pind Hartal(Pindtal variety). Patri-Hartal is considered the best for use as medicine. Out of the 4 types of Hartal; Godanti-Hartal is considered the best by many scholars. However all the Hartal varieties require further investigation with respect to identity.


• It is important to note that Godanti-Hartal is an individual entity completely different from Godanti(Gypsum). Many text-books have confused Godanti (which is a Calcium compound) as a synonym of Hartal (Arsenic compound).


• However until the exact identity of Hartal varieties especialy Godanti-Hartal is established it would be safe to accept Gypsum as the source for both entities of Godanti.