In
ancient times, sulfur was called brimstone.
Chemical Formula: S8
Layman's explanation: The discoverer
of sulfur remains anonymous because of lack of records. However, one can trace
back to the discovery of R.W. Wood when he used ultra-violet rays to find a
sulfur deposit near the crater of Aristarchus on the moon. Sulfur is also found
in meteorites. In the United States, Sulfur can be found along the Gulf Coast
in wells sunk along salt domes. It is brought to the surface using the Frasch
Process in which heated water is forced into the wells and melts the surface.
Sulfur may also be found in volcanoes or hot springs. Other uses of Sulfur
include making phosphatic fertilizers, matches, and medicine. The mineral is a
good insulator and takes part in bleaching dried fruit. Sulfur is a minor
constitute of body fluids, fats, and skeletal minerals. It can be said that
Sulfur is essential to life.
