Sulfur is a chemical element with symbol S and atomic number 16. It is a yellow, dense, highly flammable, and poisonous gas that has an odor similar to that of matches. Sulfur occurs naturally in many forms, including as a powder or crystals, but it can also be produced synthetically for industrial use. In its pure form, sulfur is used in the production of fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides; while in its compound state, such as sulfuric acid, it has numerous applications including water treatment, mineral processing, and chemical manufacturing. Sulfur also plays a role in biological processes, serving as an essential nutrient for some organisms, and is found in various proteins and other molecules within living cells.