No, sulfur is not considered a mineral. It is an element with the symbol “S” on the periodic table. 1 However, sulfur can be found in various minerals as a component, such as pyrite, gypsum, and galena. 2
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Key Takeaways: Is Sulfur a Mineral?
- Sulfur is an element with the chemical symbol “S” and atomic number 16, making it a fundamental building block of matter.
- While sulfur can be found in certain minerals, it is not considered a mineral itself. Minerals are naturally occurring compounds with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure.
- Sulfur can combine with other elements to form compounds found in minerals, but not all minerals contain sulfur.
Why is sulfur an element?
Sulfur is an element because it meets the criteria that define an element. An element is a substance that consists of only one type of atom, characterized by a unique number of protons in the nucleus. 3 Sulfur, represented by the chemical symbol “S”, has an atomic number of 16, which means its nucleus contains 16 protons. 4
Elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter, and each element has its own unique set of physical and chemical properties.
Sulfur, in its pure form, is a yellow, brittle solid at room temperature. 5 It is a nonmetal and is found in Group 16, also known as the chalcogens, on the periodic table.
Furthermore, sulfur cannot be broken down into simpler substances by any ordinary chemical means.
It retains its elemental properties even when combined with other elements to form compounds. These characteristics classify sulfur as an element.
How is sulfur different from minerals?
Sulfur is an element, whereas minerals are naturally occurring inorganic compounds or solids with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. While sulfur can be found in certain minerals, it is important to note that not all minerals contain sulfur.
Minerals are formed through various geological processes, such as cooling and solidification of magma, precipitation from solution, or metamorphic transformations. 6
They can consist of one or more elements, including sulfur, combined with other elements to form compounds. These compounds can include sulfides, sulfates, or other sulfur-containing minerals.
Sulfur itself can occur in different forms and mineralogical species. Some common sulfur-containing minerals include pyrite (FeS2), galena (PbS), gypsum (CaSO4 · 2H2O), etc. 7 These minerals contain sulfur in combination with other elements like iron, lead, calcium, or oxygen.
It’s worth mentioning that while sulfur is an essential element and an important component of many minerals, not all minerals contain sulfur. Minerals encompass a wide range of chemical compositions and structures, and sulfur is just one of the many elements that can be present within them.
Further reading
Is Wood a Mineral?
Is Gold a Mineral?
Is Coal a Mineral?
Is Oil a Mineral?
Is Salt a Mineral?
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References
- P. (n.d.). Sulfur | S (Element) – PubChem. Sulfur | S (Element) – PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/element/Sulfur
- It’s Elemental – The Element Sulfur. (n.d.). It’s Elemental – the Element Sulfur. https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele016.html
- Chemical element – Wikipedia. (2021, April 1). Chemical Element – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_element
- Rana, J. (2023, January 3). Sulfur (S) – Periodic Table [Element Information & More]. Knords Learning. https://knordslearning.com/sulfur-s-element-periodic-table/
- Räisänen, J. (2005). SULFUR. Encyclopedia of Analytical Science, 415–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/b0-12-369397-7/00583-5
- Earle, S. (n.d.). 2.5 Formation of Minerals – Physical Geology. 2.5 Formation of Minerals – Physical Geology. https://opentextbc.ca/geology/chapter/2-5-formation-of-minerals/
- Uh.edu https://uh.edu/~geos6g/1330/min.html
