Alternative Names: Sulfur
Origin: Poland
Mineral Species: Sulphur
Mineral Group: Elements
Chemical Formula: S8
Hardness: 1.5-2.5
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Colour: Yellow to yellowish-brown.
Typical Appearance: As blocky dipyramidal crystals. Also found more typically as powdery yellow coatings, usually formed from volcanic action - as a sublimate from volcanic gasses.
Birthstone: Leo
Chakra Alignment: Solar Plexus
Element: Fire
Origin of Name & Mythology: From Middle English "sulphur", brimstone. Latin for brimstone or "burning stone", in another reference.
Sulphur's bright yellow colour is reminiscent of the light and heat of the sun, and represents the Sun in the alchemical process. In the Biblical reference to fire and brimstone, brimstone is the ancient word for sulphur. Its fire burns off that which is not needed. It can be used to clear negative energy in the home, simply by placing it in a room, and it can help cleanse and eliminate negative thoughts and unhealthy behaviour patterns. Placed directly on the Solar Plexus, it can release anger and encourages us to express it in a constructive manner. Concurrently, its connection with the Solar Plexus makes it stimulating, mood lifting and inspiring, leaving us feeling lighter, energised and joyful, and bringing in new ideas and creativity. Native sulphur is extremely toxic to many bacteria and fungi, and some practitioners use its vibration to treat infections, especially of the skin. In the first phase of the alchemical process, sulphur and mercury are added to the vessel, in order to burn off the lead, leaving nothing but ash (Negredo) – the destruction that precedes creation.
