What on Earth is Sulfur?

Sulfur is a soft, bright-yellow native element that forms brittle crystals around volcanic vents and in sedimentary deposits, and the best-known sulfur specimens come from Sicily. It is fragile and sensitive to heat and moisture, so it needs careful handling. Below: what it is, where it is found, how to store it and what it means in crystal lore.

In crystal lore, sulfur crystals stand for transformation, since sulfur is an element of change. Their yellow color is the result of the presence of sulfur at the formation of these crystals. The color of pure sulfur is bright yellow, which may be altered due to different impurities present “ volcanic mixtures, selenium, and clay impurities can cause it to be slightly gray, brown, green, or red. The classic and most famous sulfur specimens come from the island of Sicily, where sulfur crystals are brightly colored (gemmy yellow) and well-crystallized. Besides Italy, sulfur is also mined in Spain, Poland, Russia, Mexico, and Bolivia.

The Physical Properties of Sulfur

Sulfur is very brittle, light in weight, and soft. When handling and storing sulfur specimens, it must be done with care. Sulfur typically occurs in petroleum deposits where it's found coated with black petroleum. It is a native element that, if now allowed to dry when wet or kept moist, will mix with hydrogen to form hydrogen sulfide. That causes the specimen to deteriorate. To prevent this, sulfur shouldn't be stored in humid conditions. Also, when exposed to mild heat (including light and body heat), it tends to crack.

Massive, earthy specimens have small, bubbly holes throughout, and they come from volcanic sulfur springs. These sulfur specimens exhibit a strong odor that reminds one of rotten eggs, and they have a greasy feel. Sulfur is given a hardness rating of 2 on the Mohs scale.

The History of Sulfur

Sulfur has been known since ancient times. It features in Indian alchemical traditions and in ancient Chinese texts from around the 6^th century BC. Later, people used it as a component for making gunpowder. In Egypt and Greece, it was burned as a fumigant. In the Bible, sulfur is mentioned as burnstone, and it is associated with Hell (probably a reference to sulfur's volcanic origins).

The Lore of Sulfur

Native sulfur is non-toxic, but when it is put in water or heated, it produces byproducts (sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide) that can be harmful. In crystal lore it is an energising stone linked with letting go of negative thoughts and barriers to progress, with finding a higher purpose and with a flexible attitude. People also use it as a symbol for imagination and creativity, and for channelling anger in a better way.

The Metaphysical Properties of Sulfur

In nature, sulfur is present in various forms depending on its environment. That's why sulfur crystal is paired in chakra tradition with the chakra of transformation “ the solar plexus chakra which is associated with the element of fire. The meaning of this crystal is transforming and improving the way we interact and understand ourselves. Sulfur crystals (or sulfur quartz) are said to stand for big personal change, with themes of intuition, inner power and self-esteem. People use them as a symbol while they set their own behaviours, thoughts and beliefs, even when family and friends see things differently.

Many people keep a piece nearby as a reminder to look honestly at their own beliefs and thoughts about the world. See more mineral specimens and collector pieces.