Sulfur
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:AlexmarPhoto&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:AlexmarPhoto (page does not exist)">AlexmarPhoto</a> (CC BY 4.0)
Mineral NameSulfur
Chemical FormulaS
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorwhite to pale yellow
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.07
Colorsyellow, yellowish-brown, greenish-yellow, orange-yellow
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalitySicily (Italy), Louisiana (USA), volcanic regions worldwide
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Useschemical industry, fertilizers, pesticides, gunpowder, pharmaceuticals
Associated Mineralsgypsum, calcite, aragonite, celestine, halite
Raritycommon
Description
This image, taken under polarized light microscopy, shows elongated, blade-like crystals of sulfur displaying vibrant interference colors in shades of pink, green, and purple, with scattered black inclusions.
Geological Context
Native sulfur forms in volcanic environments from fumarolic activity, in hot springs, and through the bacterial reduction of sulfate minerals in sedimentary deposits, often associated with salt domes or evaporite beds. The crystals shown here are forming from a melt, demonstrating rapid crystallization.
