Sulphur, also spelled sulfur, is a nonmetallic chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent, and nonmetallic. In its elemental form, sulphur is a bright yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. It is an essential element for all life and is found in amino acids and proteins. Additionally, sulphur is widely used in industrial processes, where it is an important raw material in the production of sulphuric acid, one of the most important chemicals in industrial chemistry.

Sulphur plays a crucial role in the energy commodities trading sector, particularly in the production of fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, where it is considered an impurity. The presence of sulphur in these fuels can lead to the emission of sulphur oxides during combustion, which are harmful pollutants that contribute to acid rain and have negative impacts on human health and the environment. As such, the refining process often involves the removal of sulphur compounds, and the quality of these fuels is sometimes measured by their sulphur content, with lower sulphur fuels being more desirable.

Because of its importance in both biological systems and industrial applications, the trade of sulphur and its derivatives is a significant aspect of the global commodities market, with prices and availability affecting a wide range of industries.

For more information about sulphur, you can visit the following websites:

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information – PubChem:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/element/Sulfur
PubChem provides information on the properties, structure, and use of sulphur, offering comprehensive details on its chemical nature and potential applications.

2. United States Geological Survey – Mineral Commodity Summaries:
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/sulfur-statistics-and-information
The USGS provides an overview of sulphur, including statistics on its production and consumption, as well as information regarding its role in the economy and industry.