[MauribusPluribus]

I got a piece of Native elemental sulfur for my rock/element collection...

Noticed it has a characteristic burnt match or gun powder smell..

The smell is weak and doesn't bother much, but it will remain on my hands for several hours.


- What compound is this aroma exactly? H2S, SO2, the Sulfur itself?


- Is Elemental Sulfur safe to touch and handle with bare hands?

- Is Sulfur absorbed by the skin?


Thanks

[chenbeier]

The smell comes from sulfides and also from sulphur dioxide.
It is no problem to touch it. In some areas you can find hot spring from volcano source. The water contain sulfur. It is used for healthy  bathes. The sulfur remain on your skin.