Elements like gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, and carbon have been known since ancient times, long before written history. They were used by early civilizations and were often discovered in their native (metallic) form.

As of 2024, the newest named element is oganesson (atomic number 118), formally recognized in 2015 and named in 2016. Superheavy elements are still being synthesized in laboratories.

Modern element discovery involves accelerating light nuclei and colliding them with heavy targets. The resulting superheavy elements exist for only fractions of a second and are identified by their decay chains. Techniques require large-scale international collaborations.

Sir Humphry Davy is credited with discovering several alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.) by electrolysis in the early 1800s. In modern times, Glenn T. Seaborg played a key role in the discovery of ten transuranium elements.

Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand, who was attempting to create the Philosopher's Stone by boiling down urine. He obtained a glowing white substance that ignited in air — the first element to be chemically discovered.

Several elements honor celestial bodies: uranium (planet Uranus), neptunium (Neptune), plutonium (Pluto). This tradition started with uranium in 1789 and continues with recent discoveries.

Natural elements occur in nature, even if in trace amounts. Synthetic elements are man-made in laboratories and typically do not exist naturally due to extreme instability. All elements beyond uranium (92) are artificial, with exceptions like neptunium and plutonium found in minute natural traces.

Explore interactive periodic tables online, visit science museums, or read books like "The Disappearing Spoon" by Sam Kean. Our tool also lets you randomly uncover stories — just click the button above!