A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1
158

Forms


Phosphorus was accidently discovered by
German alchemist Hennig Brand. In 1669,
in his quest for the mythical Philosopher’s Stone
(a material some believed could turn any metal
into gold), he boiled a large pot full of urine for
days. This produced a mysterious glowing

substance, which he called phosphorus,
meaning “giver of light”. Phosphorus is
the first element to have a discoverer
with a recorded name. It is never pure in
nature, and occurs in different minerals.
Phosphorus has several flammable,

Phosphorus


This element
remains stable
in water, but
catches fire on
contact with air.

This form of phosphorus
is made in a laboratory by
heating red phosphorus.

This purple colour
of the crystals is due
to metal impurities.

P


15


Phosphate mining in Nauru

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Tuna

All bones, including those
in the skull, are hardened
by calcium phosphate.

This fish is rich
in phosphorus.

Deep phosphate mines
make up 80% of this
tiny Pacific island.

State: Solid
Discovery: 1669

15 15 16

This is the most
common form of
the pure element.

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158-159_Phosphorus.indd 158 12/12/16 5:40 pm

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