Vial's Periodic Periodicals: Sulfur (16)

Sulfur
Atomic Number: 16
Atomic Weight: 32
Element Group:  Non-Metals
Phase at Room Temperature: Solid

 I may be known for my smelly nature, but this is slight misconception. Quite the contrary, I'm a likable kid. I'm not a boring grey metal like most elements; no, nothing so commonplace. I am a fragile yellow non-metal, and the tenth most abundant element in the universe. I come in three delicious flavors (allotropes) : orthorhombic, monoclinic and amorphous

It's really other elements that make me stink. Hydrogen sulfide, a compound common near geysers and geothermic vents, smells like rotten eggs. Although I try to stay away from Hydrogen (1) because of this, we are both some of the most common elements in the universe. 

Even though you might not like my smell when I mix with other elements, I'm almost essential for your body to function (assuming you're a human reading this). I strengthen the keratin in humans' hair and fingernails. I'm a component in necessary vitamins. 

I also thank Antoine Lavoisier for proving to the scientific community in 1777 that was an element, not a compound. 

---

Don't know who Vial is? Wondering why he's posting on the Curious Robot? Read about him and his friend Vine here.