It is a pale yellow, odorless, brittle, nonmetallic solid.
Sulfur has unusual optical and electrical properties and is a good electrical insulator.
It occurs native near volcanoes and hot springs and readily combines with many elements. A large amount of sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid, which some refer to as the most important manufactured chemical. The principal use of sulfur is in the preparation of its compounds. The most important sulfur compound is sulfuric acid.