Sulfur
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.goodfreephotos.com">Yinan Chen</a> (Public Domain)
Mineral NameSulfur
Chemical FormulaS
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusterresinous
Streak Coloryellow to white
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.07
Colorsyellow, brownish yellow, greenish yellow
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalitySicily, Italy
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesindustrial, collector
Associated Mineralsgypsum, calcite, aragonite, celestine
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen, one of many in a display case, is a large, bright yellow, blocky mass with a resinous luster, characteristic of native sulfur.
Geological Context
Sulfur forms in volcanic fumaroles, hot springs, and as a result of bacterial reduction of sulfates in evaporite deposits or salt domes.
