Phosphorus's atomic number is 15 and its symbol is P. Phosphorus gets its name from Greek mythology. The name means “light-bearer” or “Lucifer” in Latin. It gets this name because it faintly glows in the presence of oxygen. There are 4 forms of phosphorus: white, red, violet, and black. Although phosphorus in compounds is essential for life, pure phosphorus is reactive and is never found in nature. Phosphorus was first discovered when an alchemist in the 1600s was trying to make gold from urine. Instead of gold, he got white phosphorus. Phosphorus is currently used to produce fertilizers, pesticides, nerve agents, and matches.

The phosphorus sample in this element cube display is the red allotrope of phosphorus.