Phosphorus

What is phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a rather colorful element that comes in wax form and in 4 different colors- red, black, violet, and yellow. However, its base color is always white. It is colorless and transparent in its natural form. Phosphorus is insoluble to water, but soluble to carbon disulfide.

Phosphorus burn spontaneously in air due to its pentoxide. It is extremely poisonous, its lethal dose being only 50 mg. Phosphorus should be stored underwater at all times and handled with forceps. If it comes in contact with your skin, it can leave deep burns. White phosphorus is converted to red phosphorus when put in the sunlight or boiled in its own vapor at 250 degrees celsius.  

What is phosphorus used for?
Different types of phosphorus are used for different things. For example, red phosphorus is used for the tips of safety matches, while white phosphorus is used in the making of glass and fertilizer. However, red phosphorus IS the most stable, and is used in the following products:

Chinaware
Baking Powder
Tracer Bullets
Incendiary Devices
Pesticides
Cleaners
Water Softener
Steel
Bronze

In animals, phosphorus is an important part of cytoplasm. For humans, it is essential for proper nervous system and skeletal structure and function.