I understand that phosphorus comes in multiple forms, one of which is white, volatile, and highly toxic. I know that phosphors come in multiple chemical forms, two of which are Zinc Sulfide and Strontium Aluminate for glow-in-the-dark products like light sticks, etc, many of which kids use.


In doing some research for a magazine article I'm writing, I read a sentence that said "Chemists have been able to mimic phosphors..." and the word "mimic" leaves me wondering if this was done because original phosphors were (and still can be) from phosphorus?

Thank you
In doing some research for a magazine article I'm writing, I read a sentence that said "Chemists have been able to mimic phosphors..." and the word "mimic" leaves me wondering if this was done because original phosphors were (and still can be) from phosphorus?

I understand that phosphorus comes in multiple forms, one of which is white, volatile, and highly toxic. I know that phosphors come in multiple chemical forms, two of which are Zinc Sulfide and Strontium Aluminate for glow-in-the-dark products like light sticks, etc, many of which kids use.


In doing some research for a magazine article I'm writing, I read a sentence that said "Chemists have been able to mimic phosphors..." and the word "mimic" leaves me wondering if this was done because original phosphors were (and still can be) from phosphorus?

Thank you

Phosphors do not contain Phosphorus. They are chemicals that emit "cold" light when mixed. To glow from Phosphorous would be white Phosphorous, much too dangerous to use for lighting purposes.