Sulfur

Sulphur (also spelled sulfur in American English) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is an abundant, multivalent non-metal that occurs naturally in several forms, the most common of which is yellow, crystalline, and brittle. Sulphur is a key component of many minerals and is essential for life, playing a crucial role in the production of proteins and vitamins. In Hebrew, sulphur is known as גופרית (pronounced goferit), while in French it is called soufre, in German Schwefel, and in Spanish azufre. Historically, sulphur has been used in various applications, including in the production of gunpowder, rubber vulcanization, and as a fungicide. It is also a significant byproduct of the refining of fossil fuels and is often used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, one of the most important industrial chemicals.