Definition of the Francium Element
An extremely unstable radioactive element of the alkali metals, produced artificially from actinum or thorium, having approximately 19 isotopes, the most stable of which is Fr 223 with a half-life of 21 minutes. It is the least electronegative of all the known elements. Francium occurs naturally to a very limited extent in uranium minerals. The Atomic Number of this element is 87 and the Element Symbol is Fr.

Origin / Meaning of the name Francium
The name originates from its country of origin, France, where the French physicist Marguerite Perey from the Curie Institute in Paris discovered it in 1939 in the alpha particle decay of actinium.

Facts about the History of the Discovery of Francium Element
Francium was discovered by Marguerite Perey of the Curie Institute in Paris in 1939.

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Francium Element
Obtained from the decay of actinium
Naturally occurs in uranium minerals
Has the highest equivalent weight of any element
There are 33 known isotopes of francium

Abundance of Francium
% in Universe N/A
% in Sun N/A
% in Meteorites N/A
% in Earth's Crust N/A
% in Oceans N/A
% in Humans None

Uses of Francium
No known uses

The Properties of the Francium Element
Name of Element : Francium
Symbol of Element : Fr
Atomic Number of Francium : 87
Atomic Mass: 223.0 amu
Melting Point: 27.0 °C - 300.15 °K
Boiling Point: 677.0 °C - 950.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Francium : 87
Number of Neutrons in Francium : 136
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K
Color of Francium : Unknown

Francium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Francium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Francium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Alkali Metals
Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. The other elements contained in this classification are as follows:

• Lithium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Rubidium
• Cesium

What is Francium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Francium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Francium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Francium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.