Mineral - Sulphur
Sulphur
Chemical Properties
Mineral Class
Elements
Toxicity
none
Formula
S
Unit Cell
a=10.47 b=12.87 c=24.49 Z=128
Physical Properties
Hardness
1.5 - 2
Streak
white
Density
Normal (2-3,5)
Cleavage
Imperfect after {001}, {110} and {111}
Fracture
conchoidal,
uneven
Tenacity
Brittle
Optical Properties
Color
yellow
Birefringence
0.287
Luster
Vitreous,
Greasy,
Resinous
Transparency
translucent,
transparent
Pleochroism
Geomineralogical Properties
Crystal System
orthorhombic
Point Group
orthorhombic-dipyramidal - 2/m 2/m 2/m
Space Group
Fddd (70)
Habit
dipyramidal, crusty, acicular, prismatic, pyramidal, Rhombohedron, tabular
Formation
(1) Volcanic-exhalative, formed by sublimation from hydrogen sulfide-bearing gases (fumaroles)
(2) Sedimentary-biogenic, formed by bacterial reduction of sulfates (primarily gypsum/anhydrite) under anaerobic conditions in the presence of hydrocarbons.
(3) Secondary through the chemical weathering (oxidation) of sulfide ores in the oxidation zone of deposits.
Paragenesis
Twinning
Rarity
Very common
Synonyms
Sulphur
Groups and Members
Sulphur-Group