When you first see the amazingly beautiful crystals of bright yellow, lemon or honey color, you can mistake them for amber. But this is nothing but native sulfur.
Native sulfur has existed on Earth since the birth of the planet. We can say that it has an extraterrestrial origin. It is known that this mineral is present in large quantities on other planets. Io, a moon of Saturn, is covered in erupting volcanoes and looks like a huge egg yolk. A significant part of the surface of Venus is also covered with a layer of yellow sulfur.
People began to use it even before our era, but the exact date of discovery is unknown.
The unpleasant suffocating odor that occurs during combustion has brought this substance into disrepute. In almost all religions of the world, molten sulfur, exuding an unbearable stench, was associated with the infernal underworld, where sinners took terrible torment.
Ancient priests, performing religious rites, used burning sulfur powder to communicate with underground spirits. It was believed that sulfur is a product of dark forces from the other world.
The description of deadly vapors is found in Homer. And the famous self-igniting "Greek fire", which plunged the enemy into mystical horror, also had sulfur in its composition.
In the VIII century, the Chinese used the combustible properties of native sulfur in the manufacture of gunpowder.
Arab alchemists called sulfur "the father of all metals" and created the original mercury-sulfur theory. In their opinion, sulfur is present in the composition of any metal.
Later, the French physicist Lavoisier, after conducting a series of experiments on the combustion of sulfur, established its elemental nature.
After the discovery of gunpowder and its distribution in Europe, they began to extract native sulfur and developed a method for obtaining a substance from pyrite. However, this method was widely used in ancient Russia.
Sulfur is a common native mineral that has been used for medical and industrial purposes since ancient times.
It forms in salt mines, as deposits around volcanoes, and within sedimentary layers. Sulfuric acid, the main derivative of sulfur, is the most important inorganic chemical used in trade, chemicals and fertilizers. It used to be that acid consumption was one of the best indicators of a country's industrial development.
The color of the mineral is similar to the color of the surface of Jupiter's moon Io, which is explained by volcanic processes, as a result of which sulfur is formed.
The English name sulfur (sulfur) comes from the Latin word, which means "sulphur" in translation.
According to the Dana Class classification, it belongs to the class of native elements with semi-metallic and non-metallic elements, a group of polymorphs.
Classification
A subspecies of sulfur is rosickite, an unusual polymorph of the mineral. It crystallizes in a monoclinic system, while sulfur crystals are orthorhombic.
Chemical composition
Native sulfur consists of the chemical element of the same name (S8). In the periodic system of chemical elements, it has atomic number 16. The molecular weight is 256.53 g.
Physical Properties
- hardness on the Mohs hardness scale of minerals: 2 (similar to gypsum);
- specific gravity: 2;
- density: 2.05-2.09 (average - 2.06);
- transparency: from transparent to translucent nuggets;
- color: yellow, brown or green-yellow, orange, white;
- dash color: white;
- gloss from glass to strawberry;
- splitting (kink): conchoidal (conchoidal), uneven;
- habit: prismatic, powdery, kidney-shaped (as, for example, hematite);
- luminescence: not fluorescent.
Optical performance
It should be noted that a low electrical conductivity coefficient affects the brittleness of the mineral when heated.
Mining (deposit)
The primary extraction of native sulfur mainly comes from rock deposits of salt domes containing the mineral. It is also formed from pyrite (iron sulfide, FeS2), from sand deposits in Canada, and is recovered as a by-product from smelters, industrial plants, oil, gasoline and natural gas refineries.
The total world production of sulfur in 2013 amounted to 69 million tons, of which approximately 50% was obtained as a by-product from the development of oil and natural gas fields. The direct share of mineral extraction is 30% of the volume of production.
Sulfur is widely distributed as native deposits near volcanoes and hot springs. It is a component of sulfide minerals, such as galena, pyrite, sphalerite, etc., and is also found in meteorites. Significant deposits are located along the Gulf of Mexico coast, as well as in large deposits of evaporite groups of sediments in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, which are most likely the result of bacterial degradation of sulfate minerals.
The Vanilla mine in the province of Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain, is a historic European deposit of the mineral.
The other two are the Muchav mine, Tarnobrzeg, Poland and the Voinskoye deposit, Samara region, Russia.
Deposits of the mineral are found near hot springs and volcanic areas in many parts of the world, especially along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Such deposits are currently being developed in Indonesia, Chile and Japan. these deposits are polycrystalline, and the dimensions of the largest specimen were 22*16*11 cm.
Historically, Sicily was a major supplier of minerals during the Industrial Revolution. On Earth, as well as on Jupiter's moon Io, the element is formed during volcanic emissions, including emissions from hydrothermal vents.
During 2015, 70 million tons of sulfur were produced worldwide. The top 12 producing countries for the mineral include China, the United States, Russia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, India, Kazakhstan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.
History (mythology)
Being readily available, the mineral was known in ancient times and was even mentioned in the Bible. In the text of Holy Scripture, sulfur is mentioned in connection with the “fiery sermon”, in which parishioners are reminded of eternal damnation for unbelievers and unrepentant.
According to the Ebers Papyrus (one of the oldest surviving medical manuscripts), sulfur ointment was used in ancient Egypt to treat grainy eyelids. Homer's Odyssey mentions that the mineral was used for disinfection. In the 35th book of Natural History, Pliny the Elder examines the mineral, mentioning that the best sources are on the island of Melos. He pointed out that it is used for disinfection, in medicine and for bleaching clothes.
Native sulfur in its natural form has been known in China since the 6th century BC. There it was first discovered in Hanzhong. By the 3rd century, the Chinese discovered that the mineral could be mined from pyrite.
Early alchemists gave the mineral its own alchemical symbol, a cross with a triangle on top.
In traditional pre-modern skin treatments, the mineral was used in creams to relieve conditions such as scabies, ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Scope and scope
The main commercial use of the mineral is in the production of H2SO4 sulfuric acid. It, in turn, is used for the production of fertilizers and is the basis of many production processes. Other uses:
- fungicides;
- insecticides;
- component of artillery powder.
Pure sulfur is odorless, and the characteristic rotten egg odor associated with the mineral is formed when the powder is mixed with water, producing hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S).
Medicinal properties
Sulfur plays a crucial role in detoxification, as it is part of one of the most important antioxidants that the body produces - glutathione.
Sulfur is part of some amino acids in the human body, is involved in protein synthesis, as well as in several enzymatic reactions. It is involved in the production of collagen, a substance that forms connective tissues, cells and artery walls. In addition, it is part of keratin, which gives strength to hair, skin and nails.
Arthritis
According to the University of Maryland, USA, dietary sulfur supplementation has a positive effect on the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Sulfur or mud baths relieve swelling caused by arthritis. Applying a cream containing dimethyl sulfoxide can relieve pain in some types of arthritis. Oral supplementation with 6 mg of methylsulfylmethane sulfur relieves arthritic pain, and in combination with glucosamine, its effect is only increased.
Skin diseases
Sulfur has been shown to be beneficial in skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, warts, dandruff, eczema, and folliculitis. Creams, lotions, and soaps containing sulfur are used to treat swelling and redness caused by acne. Dermatitis and scabies are treated with a specialized sulfide ointment.
Dietary Supplements
There are no specific requirements for the additional intake of sulfur in food, since the required amount is absorbed with regular food. It is found in animal protein-rich foods such as dairy, eggs, beef, poultry, and seafood. In particular, egg yolks are one of the high quality sources of sulfur. Also, its consumption can be increased by adding onions, garlic, turnips, cabbage, seaweed and raspberries to food. Nuts are an additional source of vegetable sulfur.
Scientists recognize that the lack of an element in the body may be one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease, the number of cases of which is increasing every year.
It should be noted that without a sufficient amount of sulfur, metabolism is disturbed. This in turn leads to damage to muscle and fat cells and, as a result, causes glucose intolerance. The dangerous condition of the body, known as metabolic syndrome, occurs because the body compensates for defective glucose metabolism and gains weight.
Some researchers link the lack of sulfur in the body with the spread of heart disease.
Health effects of eating foods with sulfur
Countries whose population consumes more sulfur in food are in the ranking of healthy countries
Greece, Italy and Japan are the primary suppliers of sulfur to the world. Isn't it a coincidence that these countries have one of the lowest percentages of heart disease and obesity among the population? Probably not. Icelanders are the least affected by depression, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Some researchers associate these figures with the country's volcanic belt. Periodic eruptions cover the ground with sulfate-containing rocks. This enriched soil allows plants and animals to grow. In turn, the inhabitants of the country, who use myt products for food, significantly improve their health.
It used to be that the Icelandic diet protected them from chronic diseases thanks to fish. However, the theory was not confirmed, since Icelanders who moved to Canada and continued to eat large amounts of fish were more prone to disease compared to the non-emigrating population. Thus, the Icelandic soil enriched with sulfur plays a decisive role in providing immunity and getting the body enough of the mineral.
domestic use
Sulfur is mainly used as a precursor for other chemicals. Approximately 85% of the product is converted into sulfuric acid. Since it is essential to the world economy, its production and consumption are an indicator of a country's industrial development.
The main use of acid is the mining of phosphate ores for the production of fertilizers. It is also used in oil refining, wastewater treatment and mining. Sulfur reacts directly with methane to form carbon disulfide, which is used to make cellophane and viscose.
One of the important uses of the mineral is the vulcanization of rubber, where polysulfides form bonded organic polymers. They have found wide use in paper bleaching and as preservatives in dried fruits. Many surfactants and derivatives, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, are derived from sulfates.
Although the mineral is insoluble in water, it is one of the most versatile elements for forming compounds. Sulfur reacts and forms compounds with all chemical elements except gold, iodine, iridium, nitrogen, platinum, tellurium and inert gases.
The information below will convince everyone that the mineral is common and is literally everywhere:
- ranks 11th in number in the human body;
- is in 6th place in the composition of sea water;
- 14 - in terms of prevalence in the earth's crust and 9 - on the planet;
- closes the top ten most common elements of the solar system and the universe.
stone care
When wet, mineral samples form hydrogen sulfide, which causes their destruction. To prevent this, it is not recommended to store the mineral in humid conditions. Warm water can cause the nuggets to break.
Samples may crack when exposed to heat. When working with the mineral, excessive contact with it should be avoided, as well as stored in a dark room.
Sulfur is known in nature in several polymorphic crystalline modifications, in colloidal secretions, in liquid and gaseous states. Under natural conditions, a stable modification is rhombic sulfur (α-sulfur). At atmospheric pressure at a temperature above 95.6 ° α-sulfur passes into monoclinic β-sulfur, upon cooling it becomes rhombic again. γ-sulfur, which also crystallizes in the monoclinic syngony, is unstable at atmospheric pressure and transforms into α-sulfur. The structure of γ-sulfur has not been studied; it is conditionally assigned to this structural group.
The article considers several polymorphic modifications of sulfur: α-sulfur, β-sulfur, γ-sulfur
α modification
The English name for the mineral α-sulfur is α-Sulphur
origin of name
The name α-sulfur was introduced by Dana (1892).
Synonyms:
Rhombic sulfur. Usually just called gray. Dayton-sulfur (Suzuki, 1915) - pseudomorphosis of α-sulfur after β-sulfur.
Formula
Chemical composition
Often, native sulfur is practically pure. Sulfur of volcanic origin often contains small amounts of As, Se, Te and traces of Ti. Sulfur from many deposits is contaminated with bitumen, clay, various sulfates and carbonates. It contains inclusions of gases and a liquid containing a mother liquor with NaCl, CaCl, Na2SO4, etc. It sometimes contains up to 5.18% Se (selenium sulfur)
Varieties
1. Volcanite- (selenium sulfur) orange-red, red-brown color.
Crystallographic characteristic
Syngony. Rhombic.
Class. Dipyramidal. Some authors believed that sulfur crystallizes into a rhombo-tetrahedral class, since sometimes it has the form of sphenoids, but this form, according to Royer, is explained by the influence of an asymmetric medium (active hydrocarbons) on crystal growth.
Crystal structure of sulfur
The structure of sulfur is molecular: 8 atoms in the lattice are included in one molecule. The sulfur molecule forms eight-dimensional rings in which the atoms alternate at two levels (along the axis of the ring). 4 S atoms of one level form a square rotated by 45° relative to another square. The planes of the squares are parallel to the c-axis. The centers of the rings are located in the rhombic cell according to the "diamond" law: at the vertices and centers of the faces of the face-centered cell and at the centers of four of the eight octants into which the unit cell is divided. In the structure of sulfur, the Hume-Rothery principle is maintained, requiring coordination 2 (= 8 - 6) for the elements of the Mendeleev group V1b. In the structure of tellurium - selenium, as well as in monoclinic sulfur, this is achieved by a spiral arrangement of atoms, in the structure of rhombic sulfur (as well as synthetic β-selenium and β-tellurium) - by their ring arrangement. The S - S distance in the ring is 2.10 A, which exactly coincides with the S - S distance in the S 2 radical of pyrite (and covelline) and is slightly larger than the S - S distance between S atoms from different rings (3.3 A).
Form of being in nature
Crystal Shape
The shape of the crystals is different - dipyramidal, less often thickly tabular along with (001), disphenoidal, etc. On the faces (111), figures of natural etching are observed, which are absent on the faces (113).
Doubles
Twins at (101), (011), (110) or (111) are rare; twins at (211) are also noted.
Aggregates. Solid masses, spherical and kidney-shaped secretions, stalactites and stalagmites, powdery deposits and crystals.
Physical Properties
Optical
- The color is sulfur-yellow, straw-and honey-yellow, yellow-brown, reddish, greenish, gray from impurities; sometimes from bitumen impurities the color is brown or almost black.
- The line is colorless.
- Glitter diamond
- The tide is resinous to greasy.
- Transparency. Transparent to translucent.
Mechanical
- Hardness 1-2. Fragile.
- Density 2.05-2.08.
- Cleavage by (001), (110), (111) imperfect. Separateness according to (111).
- The fracture is conchoidal to uneven.
Chemical properties
Soluble in carbon disulfide, turpentine, kerosene.
Other properties
The electrical conductivity at ordinary temperature is almost zero. With friction sulfur electrified negatively. In ultraviolet rays, a plate 2 mm thick is opaque. At atmospheric pressure, the melting temperature 112.8°; boiling point + 444.5 °. Heat of fusion at 115° 300 cal/g-atom. Heat of vaporization at 316° 11600 cal/g-atom. At atmospheric pressure at 95.6°, α-sulfur transforms into β-sulfur with an increase in volume.
artificial receiving
Obtained by sublimation or crystallization from solution.
Diagnostic signs
Easily recognizable by its yellow color, brittleness, luster and flammability.
Associated minerals. Gypsum, anhydrite, opal, jarosite, asphalt, petroleum, ozokerite, hydrocarbon gas, hydrogen sulfide, celestine, halite, calcite, aragonite, barite, pyrite
Origin and location in nature
Native sulfur is found only in the uppermost part of the earth's crust. Formed in a variety of processes.
Animal and plant organisms play an important role in the formation of sulfur deposits, on the one hand, as accumulators of S, and on the other, as contributing to the breakdown of H 2 S and other sulfur compounds. The formation of sulfur in waters, silts, soils, swamps and in oils is associated with the activity of bacteria; in the latter, it is partly contained in the form of colloidal particles. Sulfur can be released from waters containing H 2 S under the influence of atmospheric oxygen. In coastal areas, sulfur precipitates in places when fresh water is mixed with salt water (from H 2 S sea water, under the action of oxygen dissolved in fresh water). From some natural waters, sulfur is released in the form of white turbidity (the Molochnaya river in the Kuibyshev region, etc.). From the waters of sulfur sources and from swamp waters containing H 2 S and S, sulfur precipitates in the northern regions of Russia in the winter during the process of freezing. One way or another, the main source of sulfur formation in many deposits is H 2 S, whatever its origin.
Significant accumulations of sulfur are observed in volcanic areas, in the zone of oxidation of some deposits and among sedimentary strata; deposits of the last group serve as the main sources of native sulfur mined for practical purposes. In volcanic areas, sulfur is released both during volcanic eruptions and from fumaroles, solfataras, hot springs and gas jets. Sometimes a molten mass of sulfur pours out of the crater of a volcano in the form of a stream (in Japan), and at first β- or γ-sulfur is formed, which later turns into α-sulfur with a characteristic granular structure. During volcanic eruptions, sulfur mainly arises from the action of released H 2 S on sulfur dioxide or from the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide with atmospheric oxygen; it can also sublimate with water vapor. Vapors S can be captured by gases of fumaroles, jets of carbon dioxide. The blue flame observed for the first time during the stage of volcanic eruptions represents clouds of burning sulfur (Vulcano, on the Aeolian Islands, Italy). The hydrogen sulfide stage of fumaroles and solfataras, accompanied by the formation of native sulfur, follows after the stage of isolation of fluorine and chloride compounds and precedes the stage of carbon dioxide emissions. Sulfur is released from solfataras in the form of loose tuff-like products, which are easily transported by wind and precipitation, forming secondary deposits (Cove Creek, Utah, USA). 
Sulfur. Crystals in plaster
Mineral change
In the earth's crust native sulfur easily oxidized with the formation of sulfuric acid and various sulfates; under the influence of bacteria can also produce hydrogen sulfide.
Place of Birth
Sulfur deposits of volcanic origin are usually small; they are found in Kamchatka (fumaroles), on Mount Alagez in Armenia, in Italy (solfataras of Slit Pozzuoli), in Iceland, Mexico, Japan, the USA, Java, the Aeolian Islands, etc.
The release of sulfur in hot springs is accompanied by the deposition of opal, CaCO 3 , sulfates, etc. In places, sulfur replaces limestone near hot springs, sometimes it is released in the form of the finest turbidity. Hot springs depositing sulfur are observed in volcanic regions and in areas of young tectonic faults, for example, in Russia - in the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Far East, the Kuril Islands; in the USA - in Yellowstone National Park, California; in Italy, Spain, Japan, etc.
Often native sulfur is formed in the process of supergene changes during the decomposition of sulfide minerals (pyrite, marcasite, melnikovite, galena, antimonite, etc.). Quite large accumulations have been found in the oxidation zone of pyrite deposits, for example, in the Stalinskoye deposit in the Sverdlovsk region. and in the Blyavinsky deposit of the Orenburg region; in the latter, sulfur has the appearance of a dense but brittle mass of layered texture, of various colors. In the Maykain deposit in the Pavlodar region (Kazakhstan), large accumulations of native sulfur were observed between the zone of jarosites and the zone of pyrite ores.
In small quantities, native sulfur is found in the oxidation zone of very many deposits. Sulfur is known to form in connection with coal fires during spontaneous combustion of pyrite or marcasite (powdered sulfur in a number of Ural deposits), during fires in oil shale deposits (for example, in California).
In black sea silt, sulfur is formed when it turns gray in air due to the change in the monosulfuric iron contained in it.
The largest industrial sulfur deposits are found among sedimentary rocks, mainly of Tertiary or Permian age. Their formation is associated with the reduction of sulfur sulfates, mainly gypsum, less often - anhydrite. The question of the origin of sulfur in sedimentary formations is controversial. Gypsum, under the influence of organic compounds, bacteria, free hydrogen, etc., is first reduced, possibly to CaS or Ca(HS) 2 , which, under the action of carbon dioxide and water, transform into calcite with the release of hydrogen sulfide; the latter, when reacting with oxygen, gives sulfur. Accumulations of sulfur in sedimentary strata sometimes have a reservoir character. Often they are confined to salt domes. In these deposits, sulfur is accompanied by asphalt, oil, ozocerite, gaseous hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, celestine, halite, calcite, aragonite, barite, pyrite and other minerals. Pseudomorphoses of sulfur on fibrous gypsum (selenite) are known. In Russia, there are deposits of this type in the region of the Middle Volga (Syukeyevskoe Tatarstan, Alekeeevskoe, Vodinskoe Samara region, etc.), in Turkmenistan (Gaurdak, Karakum), in the Ural-Embensky district of Kazakhstan, where a number of deposits are confined to salt domes, in Dagestan (Avar and Makhachkala groups) and in other areas.
Outside of Russia, large deposits of sulfur confined to sedimentary strata are found in Italy (Sicily, Romagna), the USA (Louisiana and Texas), Spain (near Cadiz), and other countries.
Practical application of sulfur
It is used in a number of industries: in sulfuric acid, paper and cellulose, rubber, paint, glass, cement, match, leather, etc. Sulfur is of great importance in agriculture as an insectofungicide for pest control on plantations. Grapes, tea, tobacco, cotton , beets, etc. In the form of sulfur dioxide, it is used in refrigeration, is used for bleaching fabrics, for mordant in dyeing, and as a disinfectant.
Physical research methods
Differential thermal analysis
Main lines on radiographs:
ancient methods. Melts easily under a blowpipe. Burns with a bluish flame releasing SO 2 . In a closed tube it gives a yellow crystalline sublimation or reddish-brown droplets, light yellow upon cooling.
Crystal optical properties in thin preparations (sections)
Biaxial (+). Density of optical axes (010); Ng - c, Nm = b, Np = a. Refractive index according to Schrauf.
Pure yellow sulfur
A mineral from the class of native elements. Sulfur is an example of a well-defined enantiomorphic polymorphism. In nature, it forms 2 polymorphic modifications: rhombic a-sulfur and monoclinic b-sulfur. At atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 95.6°C, a-sulfur transforms into b-sulfur. Sulfur is vital for the growth of plants and animals, it is part of living organisms and their decomposition products, it is abundant, for example, in eggs, cabbage, horseradish, garlic, mustard, onions, hair, wool, etc. It is also present in coals and oil.
See also:
STRUCTURE
Native sulfur is usually represented by a-sulfur, which crystallizes in a rhombic syngony, rhombo-dipyramidal symmetry. Crystalline sulfur has two modifications; one of them, rhombic, is obtained from a solution of sulfur in carbon disulfide (CS 2) by evaporation of the solvent at room temperature. In this case, diamond-shaped translucent crystals of light yellow color are formed, easily soluble in CS 2 . This modification is stable up to 96°C; at higher temperatures, the monoclinic form is stable. During natural cooling of molten sulfur in cylindrical crucibles, large crystals of rhombic modification with a distorted shape grow (octahedrons, in which corners or faces are partially “cut off”). Such material is called lump sulfur in the industry. Monoclinic modification of sulfur is a long transparent dark yellow needle-shaped crystals, also soluble in CS 2 . When monoclinic sulfur is cooled below 96 ° C, a more stable yellow rhombic sulfur is formed.
PROPERTIES
Native sulfur is yellow, in the presence of impurities - yellow-brown, orange, brown to black; contains inclusions of bitumen, carbonates, sulfates, clay. Crystals of pure sulfur are transparent or translucent, solid masses are translucent at the edges. The luster is resinous to greasy. Hardness 1-2, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture. Density 2.05 -2.08 g / cm 3, fragile. Easily soluble in Canadian balsam, turpentine and kerosene. In HCl and H 2 SO 4 it is insoluble. HNO 3 and aqua regia oxidize sulfur, turning it into H 2 SO 4. Sulfur differs significantly from oxygen in its ability to form stable chains and cycles of atoms.
The most stable are cyclic molecules S 8 having the shape of a crown, forming rhombic and monoclinic sulfur. This is crystalline sulfur - a brittle yellow substance. In addition, molecules with closed (S 4 , S 6 ) chains and open chains are possible. Such a composition has plastic sulfur, a brown substance, which is obtained by sharp cooling of the sulfur melt (plastic sulfur becomes brittle after a few hours, acquires a yellow color and gradually turns into a rhombic one). The formula for sulfur is most often written simply as S, since, although it has a molecular structure, it is a mixture of simple substances with different molecules.
The melting of sulfur is accompanied by a noticeable increase in volume (about 15%). Molten sulfur is a yellow, highly mobile liquid, which above 160 °C turns into a very viscous dark brown mass. The sulfur melt acquires the highest viscosity at a temperature of 190 °C; a further increase in temperature is accompanied by a decrease in viscosity, and above 300 °C the molten sulfur becomes mobile again. This is due to the fact that when sulfur is heated, it gradually polymerizes, increasing the chain length with increasing temperature. When sulfur is heated above 190 °C, the polymer units begin to break down.
Sulfur is the simplest example of an electret. When rubbed, sulfur acquires a strong negative charge.
MORPHOLOGY
It forms truncated-dipyramidal, rarely dipyramidal, pinacoidal or thick-prismatic crystals, as well as dense cryptocrystalline, confluent, granular, less often fine-fibred aggregates. The main forms on the crystals: dipyramids (111) and (113), prisms (011) and (101), pinacoid (001). Also intergrowths and druses of crystals, skeletal crystals, pseudostalactites, powdery and earthy masses, raids and smears. Crystals are characterized by multiple parallel intergrowths.
ORIGIN
Sulfur is formed during volcanic eruptions, during the weathering of sulfides, during the decomposition of gypsum-bearing sedimentary strata, and also in connection with the activity of bacteria. The main types of native sulfur deposits are volcanogenic and exogenous (chemogenic-sedimentary). Exogenous deposits predominate; they are associated with gypsum anhydrites, which, under the influence of hydrocarbon and hydrogen sulfide emissions, are reduced and replaced by sulfur-calcite ores. All the largest deposits have this infiltration-metasomatic genesis. Native sulfur is often formed (except for large accumulations) as a result of the oxidation of H 2 S. The geochemical processes of its formation are significantly activated by microorganisms (sulfate-reducing and thionic bacteria). Associated minerals are calcite, aragonite, gypsum, anhydrite, celestite, and sometimes bitumen. Among volcanic deposits of native sulfur, hydrothermal-metasomatic (for example, in Japan), formed by sulfur-bearing quartzites and opalites, and volcanogenic-sedimentary sulfur-bearing silts of crater lakes are of primary importance. It is also formed during fumarole activity. Being formed under the conditions of the earth's surface, native sulfur is still not very stable and, gradually oxidizing, gives rise to sulfates, Ch. like plaster.
Used in the production of sulfuric acid (about 50% of the extracted amount). In 1890, Hermann Frasch suggested melting sulfur underground and extracting it to the surface through wells, and at present sulfur deposits are being developed mainly by smelting native sulfur from underground layers directly in places of its occurrence. Sulfur is also found in large quantities in natural gas (in the form of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide), during gas production it is deposited on the walls of pipes, putting them out of action, so it is captured from the gas as soon as possible after production.
APPLICATION
Approximately half of the sulfur produced is used in the production of sulfuric acid. Sulfur is used to vulcanize rubber, as a fungicide in agriculture, and as colloidal sulfur - a drug. Also, sulfur in the composition of sulfur-bitumen compositions is used to obtain sulfur asphalt, and as a substitute for Portland cement - to obtain sulfur concrete. Sulfur is used in the production of pyrotechnic compositions, was previously used in the production of gunpowder, and is used in the production of matches.
Sulfur - S
CLASSIFICATION
| Strunz (8th Edition) | 1/B.03-10 |
| Nickel-Strunz (10th edition) | 1.CC.05 |
| Dana (7th edition) | 1.3.4.1 |
| Dana (8th edition) | 1.3.5.1 |
| Hey's CIM Ref. | 1.51 |
mineral Sulfur Native
Sulfur, unlike other native elements, has a molecular lattice, which determines its low hardness (1.5-2.5), lack of cleavage, brittleness, uneven fracture and the resulting greasy splash; only on the surface of the crystals is a glassy luster observed. Specific gravity 2.07 g/cm 3 . Sulfur has poor electrical conductivity, poor thermal conductivity, low melting point (112.8°C) and ignition (248°C). Sulfur catches fire from a match and burns with a blue flame; in this case, sulfur dioxide is formed, which has a sharp suffocating odor. The color of native sulfur is light yellow, straw yellow, honey yellow, greenish; sulfur containing organic substances acquire a brown, gray, black color. Volcanic sulfur is bright yellow, orange, greenish. Usually yellowish in places. There is sulfur in the form of continuous dense, sinter, earthy, powdery masses; there are also overgrown crystals, nodules, raids, crusts, inclusions and pseudomorphs on organic residues. The syngony is rhombic.
Distinctive features: native sulfur is characterized by: non-metallic luster and the fact that sulfur ignites from a match and burns, releasing sulfur dioxide, which has a sharp suffocating odor. The most characteristic color for native sulfur is light yellow.
Variety
Vulcanite (selenium sulfur). Orange-red, red-brown. The origin is volcanic.
Chemical properties
It lights up from a match and burns with a blue flame, while sulfur dioxide is formed, which has a sharp suffocating smell. Easily melts (i (melting point 112.8 ° C). Ignition temperature 248 ° C. Sulfur dissolves in carbon disulfide.
Origin of sulfur
There is native sulfur of natural and volcanic origin. Sulfur bacteria live in water basins enriched with hydrogen sulfide due to the decomposition of organic residues - at the bottom of swamps, estuaries, shallow sea bays. The estuaries of the Black Sea and the Sivash Bay are examples of such water bodies. The concentration of sulfur of volcanic origin is confined to the vents of volcanoes and to the voids of volcanic rocks. During volcanic eruptions, various sulfur compounds (H 2 S, SO 2) are released, which are oxidized under surface conditions, which leads to its reduction; in addition, sulfur sublimes directly from the vapor.
Sometimes during volcanic processes, sulfur is poured out in liquid form. This happens when sulfur, which has previously settled on the walls of craters, melts with increasing temperature. Sulfur is also deposited from hot aqueous solutions as a result of the decomposition of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur compounds released in one of the late phases of volcanic activity. These phenomena are now observed near the vents of the geysers of Yellowstone Park (USA) and Iceland. It occurs together with gypsum, anhydrite, limestone, dolomite, rock and potassium salts, clays, bituminous deposits (oil, ozocerite, asphalt) and pyrite. It is also found on the walls of volcano craters, in cracks in lavas and tuffs surrounding the vents of both active and extinct volcanoes, near sulfur mineral springs.
Satellites. Among the sedimentary rocks: gypsum, anhydrite, calcite, dolomite, siderite, rock salt, sylvin, carnallite, opal, chalcedony, bitumen (asphalt, oil, ozocerite). In deposits formed as a result of the oxidation of sulfides - mainly pyrite. Among the products of volcanic sublimation: gypsum, realgar, orpiment.
Application
Sulfur is widely used in the chemical industry. Three-quarters of the sulfur produced is used to make sulfuric acid. It is also used to combat agricultural pests, in addition, in the paper, rubber industry (rubber vulcanization), in the production of gunpowder, matches, in pharmaceuticals, glass, and the food industry.
Sulfur deposits
On the territory of Eurasia, all industrial deposits of native sulfur are of surface origin. Some of them are located in Turkmenistan, in the Volga region, etc. Rocks containing sulfur stretch along the left bank of the Volga from the city of Samara in a strip several kilometers wide to Kazan. Probably, sulfur was formed in the lagoons during the Permian period as a result of biochemical processes. Sulfur deposits are located in Razdol (Lviv region, Prykarpattya), Yavorovsk (Ukraine) and in the Ural-Emba region. In the Urals (Chelyabinsk region), sulfur is found, formed as a result of the oxidation of pyrite. Sulfur of volcanic origin is found in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. The main sulfur reserves of the capitalist countries are in Iraq, the USA (the states of Louisiana and Utah), Mexico, Chile, Japan and Italy (the island of Sicily).
Mineral properties
- Specific gravity: 2 - 2,1
- Selection form: radial-radiant aggregates
- Selection form: radial-radiant aggregates
- Classes according to the systematics of the USSR: Metals
- Chemical formula: S
- Syngony: rhombic
- Color: Sulfur yellow, yellow-orange, yellow-brown, grayish-yellow, grayish-brown.
- Dash color: Sulfur yellow, straw yellow
- Shine: fatty
- Transparency: translucent cloudy
- Cleavage: imperfect
- Break: conchoidal
- Hardness: 2
- Fragility: Yes
- Additionally: Easily melts (at 119°C) and burns with a blue flame to SO3. behavior in acids. Insoluble (in water also), but soluble in CS2.
Photo of the mineral
Related Articles
- Characteristics of the chemical element No. 16
The history of the discovery of the element. Sulfur (English Sulfur, French Sufre, German Schwefel) in its native state, as well as in the form of sulfur compounds, has been known since ancient times. - Sulfur, Sulfur, S (16)
With the smell of burning sulfur, the suffocating effect of sulfur dioxide and the disgusting smell of hydrogen sulfide, people probably met in prehistoric times. - Native sulfur
Approximately half of the sulfur produced in the world comes from natural resources.
Deposits of the mineral Sulfur Native
- Vodinskoye field
- Alekseevskoye field
- Russia
- Samara Region
- Bolivia
- Ukraine
- Novoyavorivsk. Lviv region
