Most toxic substances have the decency to contain just the one deadly ingredient, but Huchinsonite contains not one, but three horribly toxic nasties: thallium, lead, and arsenic. It also contains sulphur which isn't particularly pleasant either. You've probably heard of lead and arsenic, those are the ones that the Victorians were so keen in putting in everything from their wallpaper to their baby bottles (and subsequently dying in droves). Thallium, however, is the lesser known evil(er) twin of lead and is often found in rat poison. The symptoms of Thallium poisoning include hair loss, damage to peripheral nerves (producing a sensation of walking on hot coals) and it is suspected to cause cancer. Oh yeah, and it can be readily absorbed through the skin. Deadly Thallium, when mixed with the equally deadly arsenic and lead, creates a Frankenstein's monster of poison. Mindat, the largest internet mineral database, advises that you should never "lick or ingest" Hutchinsonite. You know, in case you were tempted. Fun Fact: Hutchinsonite was at one time as notorious as arsenic for its use as a murder weapon. Thallium in particular has been described as the "poisoner's poison" and it is colourless, odourless and tasteless (as in, it doesn't taste of anything, not that it makes awful jokes at funerals).
