Name:
Sulphur		 Origin of name:
from the Latin sulphur		 Chemical composition:
S
Sulphur crystals are typically tabular or bipyramidal, but the mineral also occurs as granular aggregates, massive layers and powdery crusts. It forms as a product of volcanic activity, around volcanic craters and hot springs, and also by the weathering of sulphide minerals and the bacterial reduction of sulphates.

Sulphur melts easily, and burns producing sulphur dioxide gas. This property was known to the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a disinfectant and for bleaching textiles; the Romans used it in preparation of medicines. Now, sulphur is an important raw material for the production of sulphuric acid, which is used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

 Crystal system:
orthorhombic
Class:
Native elements
Hardness:
1.5-2.5
Cleavage:
imperfect basal
Colour:
yellow
Specific gravity:
2.0-2.1

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