Crystal Sulphur

Chemical Formula

S

Composition

Sulfur

Color

Bright yellow to yellow-brown

Streak

White

Hardness

1.5 - 2.5

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Crystal Forms 
and Aggregates

Steep dipyramidal and tabular crystals are common. May also be bipyramidal with angled centers. Crystals frequently have hollow skeletons or  hoppered growths. Curved and rounded distorted crystals are also common. Small grains, wheat sheaves, and encrustings occur. Massive, earthyspecimens are prevalent, and may have bubbly holes throughout. Also occurs as rounded, waterwornmasses.

Transparency

Transparent to opaque

Specific Gravity

2.0 - 2.1

Luster

Adamantine on clean, clear crystal surfaces; otherwise resinous or dull

Cleavage

3,2

Fracture

Conchoidal

Tenacity

Brittle

Other ID Marks

1) Cracks when exposed to heat
2) Dissolves in warm water
3) May have a greasy feel
4) Gives off a mild, sulfuric odor. Odor becomes strong if heated.

Complex Tests

Melts at only 226° F (108° C) and gives off a blue flame with fumes that smell like rotten eggs

In Group

Native Elements; Non-Metallic Elements

Striking Features

Color, softness, very low density, and habit of cracking when exposed to heat.

Environment

In sedimentary environments in evaporite and salt dome deposits, where it often is a product of breakdown of sulfates caused by cetain bacteria. In volcanic deposits in hot springs and fumaroles as a product of sublimation. Also occurs in igneous basalt rocks of recent volcanic activity.

Rock Type

Igneous, Sedimentary

Popularity (1-4)

1

Prevalence (1-3)

1

Demand (1-3)

1