If you ever encounter a stinky smell, you can thank sulfur.

Sulfur is an element on the periodic table with a symbol S and an atomic number of 16.

Sulfur is normally found in hot springs and maintains a yellow color at room temperature. Sulfur is odorless and not poisonous, but when burned, it will emit a blue flame and melt in a blood-red liquid. Sulfur then combines with oxygen and forms a poisonous gas called sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur forms a variety of compounds, and the one we are most familiar with is the gas, hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for the rotten egg odor from skunks or burning hair. Besides these things, sulfur is found in numerous places on Earth, including volcanoes, hot springs, and hydrothermal vents. Sulfur can be recovered from underground deposits as well and contribute to the creation of petroleum. In terms of real use, sulfur is used commercially in fertilizers. A type of “dusting sulfur,” which is powdered sulfur, is used in pesticides and insecticides. Sulfur also has industrial purposes. It’s used to make chemical sulfuric acid, which helps extract minerals and make car batteries.

Though we might not think so, sulfur also plays an important role in supporting our bodies. Sulfur is part of proteins that are crucial in forming our fat and bones. Sulfur is much more than the stinky smell we associate it with!