RockVault
Sulfur

Sulfur

Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/14730981@N08">James Petts</a> from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Mineral NameSulfur
Chemical FormulaS
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorpale yellow to white
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.07
Colorsyellow, pale yellow, greenish yellow, brownish yellow
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalitySicily, Italy
Mineral GroupNative elements
Useschemical industry, fertilizers, gunpowder, vulcanization of rubber, collector
Associated Mineralsgypsum, calcite, aragonite, celestine
Raritycommon

Description

The image displays a pale yellow to off-white mineral sample with a rough, granular, and somewhat lumpy texture, suggesting a massive or earthy habit. The luster appears dull to resinous.

Geological Context

Sulfur commonly forms in volcanic environments from the sublimation of sulfur gases, or in sedimentary deposits through the reduction of sulfates by bacteria, often associated with evaporites or salt domes.

Related Specimens