Here's a little factoid for you. The greenish glow from white phosphorus isn't phosphorescence (though the name would lead you to believe otherwise). Phosphorescence refers to one type of photoluminescence in which a material re-emits some of the energy it has absorbed. White phosphorus glows from a form of chemiluminescence produced as the element oxidizes. Therefore, you don't need to expose phosphorus to light in order for it to glow. Further, phosphorus won't glow unless oxygen is present. White phosphorus is the only allotrope of phosphorus that will glow in the dark.Photo: Green glow of phosphorus. (Luc Viatour)
Glow in the Dark Ink | Phosphorescence & Fluorescence Photo Gallery
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