Melting point

44.1° C

Boiling point

280° C

Density

1.8 g/cm³

Appearance

Phosphorus occurs in more than one form. One of these is waxy and white, and another is a dark, red powder.

Other physical properties

The waxy, white form of phosphorus glows in the dark.

Chemical properties

Phosphorus is insoluable in water. The waxy, white form is very reactive and can explode in air. (It burns at 35 °C.) It is also very poisonous. The powdery form is less reactive, although it burns in air. It is not very toxic.

Compounds

Calcium phosphate, a natural rock used to make phosphate fertilizers, is one compound of phosphorus.

Uses

Phosphorus is alloyed with bronze. It is also used in incendiary bombs and match heads.

Notes

Phosphorus compounds play an important role in the use of energy in living things.

SOURCE

Properties of Matter
http://www.propertiesofmatter.si.edu/Phosphorus.html

White Phosphorous

White phosphorus is a soft, waxy, flammable substance, consisting of tetrahedral P4 molecules; it is often slightly yellowish because of the presence of impurities (hence, it is sometimes imaginatively known as yellow phosphorus).  White phosphorus is highly reactive, and spontaneously ignites at about 30°C in moist air.  It is usually stored under water, to prevent exposure to the air.  It is also extremely toxic, even in very small quantities.

Hazards: White phosphorus is toxic (the approximate fatal dose is about 50 to 100 mg.  Even in very small quantities, it produces severe gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, and liver damage.  It also causes burns when it comes in contact with skin.  Chronic exposure to white phosphorus causes bony necrosis (especially of the jaw, a condition called "phossy-jaw") and anemia.  
https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/demos/burning_phosphorus/burning_phosphorus.htm
http://chandrasekaran.tripod.com/uses.htm

Use values of Phosphorous

HEALTH:

In living beings, phosphorus is found in bones, teeth, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), in the energy carriers (such as ATP), lipids, proteins and enzymes. This highlights that phosphorus is vital for biological organisms.

Initiates Fire

Phosphorus catches fire readily, it is used in match sticks; red phosphorus is used in "safety matches" and is less volatile and less poisonous.

Flame retardants

Phosphorus in its elemental form is used to make fire, while  in the form of derived chemicals it is used to stop or reduce the hazards of fire.

Uses

• Surfactants, Cleaners:
• Phosphorus compounds (small molecules or polymer) are very useful in the synthetic polymers, paints and protective coatings for wood, the plasticizer/flame-retardant (and fire-resistance).
• Organo phosphates with good lubrication, thermal stablility and fire-resistant properties are used as high temperature lubricants.
• Metal Treating, Electroplating of copper or zinc, their pyrophosphate is used as electrolyte (along with potassium pyrophosphate).
• Water Treatment -  to convert hard water to soft water by removing the metal ions as insoluble metal phosphates.
• tooth pastes (cavity protection or tartar control), in shampoos and many more commonly used items.