White phosphorus (P4) is soft and flammable, red phosphorus
is powdery and usually non-flammable. Neither form reacts with water or
dilute acid but alkalis react to form phosphine gas. Used in fertilizers,
insecticides, metal treatment, detergents, etc
Diagnostic tests:
Compounds containing phosphates (PO43-) give a green
flame test, especially after being moistened with sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
although this test may be rendered unsatisfactory due to other coloring
agents.
If a powdered sample is fused in a closed tube with metallic sodium or
magnesium and afterward moistened with water, hydrogen phosphide is given
off, recognized by its disagreeable odor.
References
Emsley, J., 1991; THE ELEMENTS : Sec. Ed.,
Clarendon Press, Oxford, 251 p.
(* - Mineral Name Is Not IMA Approved)
(! - New Dana classification added or changed from Danas New Mineralogy)
(? - IMA Discredited Mineral Species Name)
There are 607 minerals with P in the Mineralogy Database.