274 NEW ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
Examine the specimen of native Sulphur, and ascertain 
that it is crystalline. Select some of the larger crystals, 
and make out, if possible, that they end in four-sided 
pyramids. 
Find out, by experiment, that it is insoluble in water. 
Hold a small piece of the roll in a flame of any kind, and 
notice that it readily burns —is very inflammable. 
Observe the dull blue flame, and the strong pungent fumes 
emitted. 
Place a small -piece of the mineral in a test tube, and 
heat gradually. Notice that it soon melts—is fusible— 
and that, in doing so, it changes its colour from yellow to 
dark red. 
Ponr out the melted sulphur into some cold water. 
Notice that it has become solid, but is soft and elastic. 
When this test is over, put the cake of melted sulphur away. 
Examine next day, and ascertain that it has reverted to a 
brittle and crystalline condition. 
Uses. Sulphur is used in the manufacture of sulphuric 
acid, gunpowder, and lucifer matches ; also for medicinal 
purposes. The fumes given off, when it is burning, are used 
for bleaching purposes. 
Occurrence. Native Sulphur occurs most frequently 
in volcanic regions, considerable quantities being found in 
the Hot Lake district of this Colony, as well as at White 
Island in the Bay of Plenty. Some of these deposits are 
worked ; but most of the Sulphuric Acid (the chief Sulphur 
product used in New Zealand) we require is imported from 
other countries. 
The principal Sulphur mines are in Sicily ; from these. 
much of the Sulphur of commerce is obtained. 
