Hennig Brand discovered phosphorus in the year 1669. He was a German alchemist who was trying to find the Philosopher’s Stone.

Phosphorus actually glows in the dark, and its name is derived from the Greek word phosphorus, which means “light bearer.”

White phosphorus is especially dangerous, as it’s reactive and toxic.

Phosphorus plays a key role in forming the framework of both DNA and RNA.

Phosphorus was a key ingredient in the first matchstick, which was made in 1827.

Like carbon and silicon, phosphorus forms compounds with almost every other element.

Most of the phosphorus on Earth comes from volcanoes or asteroids.