Elemental sulfur deposits are found in volcanic or sedimentary areas of Italy, USA, Russia and the Ukraine. These deposits have been extracted from the ground using the Frasch process.

Holes are drilled down through the overlying rock into the sulfur deposits. A special series of pipes are then inserted into the drill hole. The pipes are arranged in a circular pattern. The outer pipes will contain superheated steam which is pumped down into the deposit.

Since the melting point of sulfur is so low, it is readily melted. As the sulfur becomes molten, it is removed by pumping air down the central pipe. When the molten sulfur reaches the surface, it is pumped onto wooden blocks where the sulfur again solidifies.

The Frasch process is able to produce sulfur of very high purity.

Image of Frasch process