Sulfur is one of the most important and widely used chemical elements in nature. It is identified by the symbol S and atomic number 16 in the periodic table. Sulfur is a nonmetal and is typically observed as a bright yellow solid. It has been known to humans since ancient times and was used in early civilisations for medicinal purposes, fire‑starting, and disinfection.
In nature, sulfur occurs in both free (elemental) and combined forms. Its natural sources include volcanic regions, underground deposits, and mineral compounds such as sulfides and sulfates found in metallic ores. In addition, a significant amount of sulfur is obtained as a byproduct of oil refining and natural gas processing, which today represents the most important industrial source of sulfur.
At normal temperatures, sulfur exists as a solid and has no distinctive odour; however, its compounds—particularly hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)—produce a strong and unpleasant smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. Sulfur reacts readily and forms a wide variety of chemical compounds that play a fundamental role in numerous industries.
In terms of applications, sulfur is one of the foundational pillars of the global chemical industry. The majority of sulfur consumption is dedicated to the production of sulfuric acid, which is known as the “king of chemicals” and is widely used in the fertiliser industry, automotive batteries, detergent manufacturing, metal-processing industries, and the petrochemical sector.
Prilled sulfur is a spherical, granular form of sulfur used in chemical and agricultural industries due to its high purity, uniform particle size, and ease of transportation.
Lump sulfur is a natural, unrefined form of sulfur that is extracted in large masses and is used in chemical industries, agriculture, and sulfuric acid production.
