Formula S. Equivalent = 16.

Properties

Sulphur is a substance found abundantly in nature, sometimes isolated, and sometimes in combination with a great number of metals.

Sulphur may bo obtained in three states. At the ordinary temperature it is solid; heated above 232° it melts, and furnishes a very limpid, canary-yellow fluid; heated at 750° it boils and distils.

Sulphur will crystallize at a low temperature by dissolving it in a volatile liquid. The sul-phuret of carbon is its best solvent.

Melted sulphur is perfectly limpid, and of a clear, yellow color. Further heated, its color becomes deeper, and it loses its fluidity. At 320° it flows with difficulty, and its color becomes brown.

Sulphur burns with a bluish flame, giving out the well-known suffocating smell which needs no description. Sulphur combines with oxygen in various proportions, two of which arc extensively used, the sulphurous and sul-phuric acids.

Its fracture is light, its specific gravity = 1.99, and its equivalent = 16.

It combines with all metals and metalloids but nitrogen.

Natural State

Sulphur is found native, and in combination with iron, lead, mercury, antimony, copper, and zinc.

It is met also in many sulphurous waters united with hydrogen, in several plants, and a few animal matters.

Extraction

Sulphur found in the trade is generally pure enough for the fabrication of matches.