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2.7" Lemon Yellow Sulfur Crystal Cluster - Bolivia
This is a cluster of lemon yellow sulfur crystals on a rock matrix, from the El Desierto Mine in Bolivia The entire specimen is 2.7" long and 2.5" wide. Nearly an inch thick aggregation of sulfur crystals can be found covering the entirety of what could be considered the top of the specimen.
About Sulfur From The El Desierto Mine
These vivid sulfur crystals come from the El Desierto Sulfur Mine, one of the few localities in the Bolivian Andes known for producing collectible, well-formed specimens. The mine lies in a volcanically active stretch of the Western Andes near the Bolivia–Chile border, a region dominated by steaming fumaroles, volcanic domes, and extensive sulfur-bearing deposits. While most of the sulfur mined in this area’s six historic operations occurs as fine-grained material cementing volcanic ash and tuff, El Desierto is exceptional. Here, open pockets within the altered volcanic rock allow bright yellow sulfur to crystallize in distinct, eye-catching habits rarely seen elsewhere in the district.
Chemically, sulfur crystallizes as S₈—rings of eight sulfur atoms that assemble into vibrant, resinous crystals. In the El Desierto environment, these molecules build into sharp dipyramidal or blocky tabular forms, often perched on pale matrixes of gypsum or altered andesite that enhance their intense color. The warmth of the hue, ranging from lemon-yellow to deep golden tones, is characteristic of high-purity volcanic sulfur.
Because sulfur is a soft and temperature-sensitive mineral, proper care is important. The crystals can fracture if subjected to sudden heating or cooling, so they are best stored in a stable environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or abrupt temperature fluctuations. With gentle handling, these Bolivian sulfur specimens remain brilliantly vibrant and make an impressive addition to any mineral collection.
These vivid sulfur crystals come from the El Desierto Sulfur Mine, one of the few localities in the Bolivian Andes known for producing collectible, well-formed specimens. The mine lies in a volcanically active stretch of the Western Andes near the Bolivia–Chile border, a region dominated by steaming fumaroles, volcanic domes, and extensive sulfur-bearing deposits. While most of the sulfur mined in this area’s six historic operations occurs as fine-grained material cementing volcanic ash and tuff, El Desierto is exceptional. Here, open pockets within the altered volcanic rock allow bright yellow sulfur to crystallize in distinct, eye-catching habits rarely seen elsewhere in the district.
Chemically, sulfur crystallizes as S₈—rings of eight sulfur atoms that assemble into vibrant, resinous crystals. In the El Desierto environment, these molecules build into sharp dipyramidal or blocky tabular forms, often perched on pale matrixes of gypsum or altered andesite that enhance their intense color. The warmth of the hue, ranging from lemon-yellow to deep golden tones, is characteristic of high-purity volcanic sulfur.
Because sulfur is a soft and temperature-sensitive mineral, proper care is important. The crystals can fracture if subjected to sudden heating or cooling, so they are best stored in a stable environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or abrupt temperature fluctuations. With gentle handling, these Bolivian sulfur specimens remain brilliantly vibrant and make an impressive addition to any mineral collection.
SPECIES
Sulfur
LOCATION
El Desierto Mine, Potosí, Daniel Campos Province, Bolivia
SIZE
2.7" long, 2.5" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#51580
