Brimstone, the biblical name for sulfur, is often found near hot springs and volcanic fissures on Earth's surface (above).

What is brimstone used for?

Pre-Roman civilizations used burned brimstone as a medicine and used "bricks" of sulphur as fumigants, bleaching agents, and incense in religious rites.

What is the source of brimstone?

Brimstone, an archaic term synonymous with sulfur, evokes the acrid odor of sulfur dioxide given off by lightning strikes. Lightning was understood as divine punishment by many ancient religions; the association of sulfur with divine retribution is common in the Bible.