Sulfur
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Mineral NameSulfur
Chemical FormulaS
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorwhite to pale yellow
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.07
Colorsyellow, brown, orange, greenish
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalitySicily (Italy), Louisiana (USA), Poland, Japan
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesindustrial, chemical production, fertilizers, fungicides, gunpowder, pharmaceuticals
Associated Mineralscalcite, gypsum, aragonite, celestite, halite
Raritycommon
Description
This microscopic image, taken under polarized light, reveals sulfur crystals growing from a melt, displaying a striking array of purple, blue, and yellow interference colors in angular, layered patterns.
Geological Context
Native sulfur typically forms in volcanic regions from fumarolic activity, or through the bacterial reduction of sulfates in evaporite deposits and salt domes, often associated with petroleum.
