Element 15 · Non-Metal
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is essential to life — and to fertiliser, matches, and military incendiaries.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
P
ATOMIC NO.
15
ATOMIC WEIGHT
30.974
CATEGORY
Non-Metal
PERIOD
Period 3
GROUP
Group 15
Historical Uses
Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand, a German alchemist, who isolated it from distilled urine while searching for the Philosopher’s Stone — the first element to be deliberately isolated by a named individual. Named for its eerie glow in air (Greek for “light-bearer”). White phosphorus was used in early match manufacturing in the 19th century (causing jaw necrosis in factory workers, known as “phossy jaw”) and in incendiary munitions.
Current Uses
About 90% of phosphorus is used as phosphate fertilisers (essential for plant growth and food production). Other uses include food additives (as phosphoric acid in soft drinks), detergents, flame retardants, and as a dopant in semiconductor manufacturing. Phosphate rock reserves are geographically concentrated, with Morocco controlling approximately 70% of global reserves.
Not Commercially Viable for Scrap
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Phosphorus:
Phosphorus is a non-metal that exists in a highly reactive white form (pyrophoric — spontaneously igniting in air) and a more stable red form. Neither appears in scrap metal streams as a recoverable material. Phosphorus in steel is an unwanted impurity, not a value component.
Price Context
Phosphate rock trades at approximately £80–150/tonne. Phosphoric acid trades at £550–1,000/tonne. Phosphorus itself is not a scrap commodity and is not traded at scrap prices.