Sulfur
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Stevage" title="User:Stevage">Stevage</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameSulfur
Chemical FormulaS
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusterresinous
Streak Coloryellow to white
Cleavagepoor/imperfect
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.07
Colorsyellow, yellowish-brown, greenish-yellow
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalitySol de Mañana geyser field, Sur Lipez province, Bolivia
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesindustrial (sulfuric acid, fertilizers), medicinal, collector
Associated Mineralsgypsum, anhydrite, calcite, various sulfides
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a rugged, colorful landscape within the Sol de Mañana geyser field, characterized by steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and pools of water. Bright yellow deposits of native sulfur are visible, contrasting with the reddish-brown and white altered volcanic rocks.
Geological Context
Native sulfur in this geyser field forms from the precipitation of sulfur-rich gases and hydrothermal fluids associated with active volcanism. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, released from the Earth's interior, reacts with oxygen or sulfur dioxide (SO2) near the surface to deposit elemental sulfur.
