Sulphur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is a non-metallic chemical element and has several allotropes, the most common of which are the ропк sulphur (S8) and the monoclinic sulphur (Sβ). Sulphur occurs naturally in many minerals, and it is extracted from various sources including pyrites, zinc blende, and calcium sulphate. Sulphur has numerous uses, including in the manufacturing of sulphuric acid, sulphur dioxide, and sulphate salts. It is also used in the production of fertilizers, plastics, and rubber. Sulphur plays an important role in several biological processes, including the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.