How convenient. The most benign form of this element just happens to be the most expensive. Isn’t it nice how that works out. [Insert your pet conspiracy theory here].

Sadly, this is the case. The black allotrope form of this element requires extreme pressure to create. If you’re already familiar with how in the case of carbon cheap-as-dirt graphite can be turned into diamonds then here’s the equivalent for this element. While absolutely no one besides the few nerds who shop on Luciteria could give two hoots about phosphorus that tiny demand sure isn’t helping make it more affordable (unlike the case with diamonds). The process to make it is still very difficult and available only to institutions with big budgets who own the type of equipment needed to do the job. And we should thank the few labs who have undertaken the task. The semiconductor industry have the funds to make it worthwhile to look into the more esoteric properties of black phosphorus so in some small way we are beneficiaries. Without them, this type of crystalline material would remain a footnote in chemical textbooks.

Unlike its more colorful variants, black phosphorus is neither reactive nor especially flammable. It does, however, have one quality that makes it wholly unsuitable to be turned into cubes: extreme softness. If you so much as stare at it intently it begins to change shape - I swear! It is for this reason alone that the only feasible way to have it in cubic centimeter format is with the protection afforded inside a glass ampule. Even so, the prospective owner of one of these must make necessary concessions as to how well formed even this basic shape can be. Expect it to have less than perfect edges, rounded corners and flyaway little tufts of crystal tendril bits and you will have an adorable baby the sort that makes neighbors grin politely and poodles yelp.