Discovered in: 1939

Discovered by: Marguerite Perey of France

Description: Named for France, francium is a highly radioactive metal. It is an alkali metal, so it probably shares the same chemistry as cesium. It also shares the same melting point as cesium, so that francium would melt if held in one's hand. Francium, however, is so rare, that an amount of francium sufficient to weigh has never been produced and its chemistry has not been well studied. It is estimated that no more than 30 grams of francium exists at any one time on Earth. It is a decay product of uranium and it can also be created artificially. There is not enough francium on Earth for it to have any industrial or commercial uses. The most stable isotope of francium has a half-life of 22 minutes.

Biological Rating: No known benefits for life processes in plants and animals.

Biological Benefits: Francium has no known biological use

Obtained from: Francium is almost non-existent on Earth. It can be produced by particle bombardment of radium or thorium.