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This Specimen has been sold.
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3.3" Striking Yellow Sulfur Crystals on Fluorescent Aragonite - Italy
This is a 3.3" wide sulfur crystal and aragonite associaiton, collected from the Cianciana Sulfur Mines in Sicilia, Italy. The crystals have ridiculously vibrant color and is in a solid habit instead of as a powdery coating typical in sulfur deposits. Under shortwave UV, the aragonite encrusted matrix fluoresces a beautiful pink/orange color.
The base of this specimen has been cut flat for aesthetic presentation.
The base of this specimen has been cut flat for aesthetic presentation.
About Sulfur Crystals
Sulfur is a striking and instantly recognizable mineral, prized by collectors for its vivid yellow coloration and its distinctive crystal habits. Chemically, sulfur occurs as S₈—ring-shaped molecules composed of eight sulfur atoms—which give rise to its characteristic resinous luster and translucent glow. In nature, well-formed sulfur crystals typically develop as sharp dipyramids or blocky, tabular shapes. These specimens most often originate in volcanic or sedimentary environments, where sulfur precipitates from sulfur-rich gases or hydrothermal fluids. Many classic localities, such as Sicily or the salt domes of Texas and Louisiana, produce crystals perched on matrixes of gypsum, aragonite, or limestone, creating visually dramatic contrasts.
In the context of mineral specimens, sulfur requires a bit of care. The crystals are relatively soft and brittle, and can fracture if subjected to sudden temperature changes. Because of this thermal sensitivity, sulfur is best stored in a stable environment away from heat sources, bright sunlight, or rapid fluctuations in temperature. With proper handling, however, these luminous yellow crystals remain some of the most eye-catching and iconic mineral specimens in the collecting world.
Sulfur is a striking and instantly recognizable mineral, prized by collectors for its vivid yellow coloration and its distinctive crystal habits. Chemically, sulfur occurs as S₈—ring-shaped molecules composed of eight sulfur atoms—which give rise to its characteristic resinous luster and translucent glow. In nature, well-formed sulfur crystals typically develop as sharp dipyramids or blocky, tabular shapes. These specimens most often originate in volcanic or sedimentary environments, where sulfur precipitates from sulfur-rich gases or hydrothermal fluids. Many classic localities, such as Sicily or the salt domes of Texas and Louisiana, produce crystals perched on matrixes of gypsum, aragonite, or limestone, creating visually dramatic contrasts.
In the context of mineral specimens, sulfur requires a bit of care. The crystals are relatively soft and brittle, and can fracture if subjected to sudden temperature changes. Because of this thermal sensitivity, sulfur is best stored in a stable environment away from heat sources, bright sunlight, or rapid fluctuations in temperature. With proper handling, however, these luminous yellow crystals remain some of the most eye-catching and iconic mineral specimens in the collecting world.
SPECIES
Sulfur & Aragonite
LOCATION
Cianciana Sulfur Mines, Cianciana, Agrigento Province, Sicily, Italy
SIZE
3.3 x 2.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#208738
