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Which element was the last naturally occurring element to be discovered?

Quick Answer

Francium was the last element discovered in nature, identified in 1939.

The Full Story

Francium is generally regarded as the last naturally occurring element to be discovered, identified by Marguerite Perey in 1939. It was found as a decay product in the uranium series and named after France. Because francium is so radioactive and short-lived, only tiny traces exist naturally at any time. Its discovery completed a major chapter in the search for naturally occurring elements.

Key Facts

1.Francium discovered in 1939
2.Discovered by Marguerite Perey
3.Element symbol: Fr

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