• The mineral mascagnite is the natural form of ammonium sulfate, which is the laboratory version. The chemical is formed when ammonia is transformed into sulfuric acid. The white powder has no smell and a salty taste. It dissolves easily in water. In its concentrated form, ammonium sulfate can cause damage to eyes and skin, and it also releases toxic fumes when it decomposes.
  
  

Fertilizer

• Ammonium sulfate is most commonly used in fertilizers. It is often used in combination with other materials, such as urea, to make dry fertilizers. Ammonium sulfate has a variety of benefits over other fertilizers. It contains 24 percent sulfur, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. It also has a longer shelf life and dissolves more slowly than other fertilizers and tends to be cheaper than ammonium nitrate and urea.
  
  

Pesticide Adjuvant

• A pesticide adjuvant is a substance that is commonly used with pesticides to increase their effectiveness. Ammonium sulfate is used as an adjuvant for herbicides, insecticides and fungicides and is particularly beneficial when used with 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides. According to Scorecard, it is also used to attract flies.
  
  

Other Uses

• Agricultural uses are the primary applications of ammonium sulfate. It is also used as a general purpose food additive, dough conditioner and food for yeast. In medicine, ammonium sulfate plays an important role in the development of vaccines. The DTap vaccine, for example, which protects children from diptheria, tetanus and whooping cough, uses ammonium sulfate in the purification process.