25 Weirdest Elements on the Periodic Table.

Posted by , Updated on April 24, 2024

Prepare yourself to be amazed by the peculiar and intriguing aspects of the elements on the periodic table! From gases that illuminate neon signs to poisonous metals that are lethal, certain elements are bound to astonish you with their bizarre and incredible characteristics.

Here are the 25 weirdest elements on the periodic table.

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25

Mercury

Mercury

Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature – how cool is that? This element is known for its unique properties, such as its ability to conduct electricity and its high surface tension, which allows it to form beads and “walk” along a flat surface. Talk about a weird element!
Mercury has a long history of use in alchemy and traditional medicine, where it was believed to have magical healing powers. It was used to treat all kinds of ailments, from syphilis to constipation.

But don’t let its medicinal past fool you – mercury can also be quite dangerous if ingested or inhaled. It’s toxic to humans and can accumulate in the body over time, causing serious health problems like tremors, memory loss, and neurological damage.

Despite its potential dangers, mercury remains an important element in a variety of industries and applications. From thermometers to fluorescent lamps, this weird and wonderful element is sure to surprise and delight you with its unique properties.

24

Lead

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that is known for its low melting point and its ability to block radiation. This element has several industrial and consumer uses, including in batteries and pipes, as well as in construction materials, paints, and gasoline additives.

But beware – lead is also toxic to humans and can accumulate in the body over time, causing several health problems, including developmental delays, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. It’s particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, as it can cause damage to the developing brain and nervous system.

Despite its potential dangers, lead remains an important element in several industries and applications. It’s also used in some types of radiation shielding and the production of certain types of ammunition.

23

Bismuth

Bismuth

Bismuth has some unique properties and behaviors. For starters, it has an unusual crystal structure known as a “tetragonal crystal lattice,” which gives it some pretty cool physical properties, like expanding when it solidifies (most other metals do the opposite). Bismuth also has one of the highest atomic weights of all the elements, making it one of the heaviest metals out there.

But beware – bismuth can be toxic to humans and can cause health problems like kidney damage and neurological disorders. It’s also relatively rare in the Earth’s crust, making it a bit harder to come by.

22

Thallium

Thallium

Thallium is a metal that is known for its toxic properties, but it’s also used in several industrial and consumer products. This element is highly toxic to humans and can cause serious health problems like hair loss, kidney damage, and neurological disorders. The scary part? Thallium is tasteless and odorless, so it’s tough to detect if you’re exposed to it.

Despite its potential dangers, thallium has several uses, including in pesticides, rodent poisons, and high-temperature thermometers. It’s also used in some types of imaging scans and as a catalyst in the production of some chemicals. Thallium can be found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust, usually as a byproduct of the mining of other metals. And if that wasn’t weird enough, thallium also has some radioactive isotopes that are used in scientific and medical applications.
Thallium was discovered in 1861 and was initially used as a rat poison and a herbicide. But it wasn’t long before people realized just how toxic it was to humans, and its use was restricted.

21

Uranium

Uranium

Uranium is naturally radioactive and is the heaviest naturally occurring element on Earth – talk about heavy metal! It decays into some other radioactive elements over time, making it a source of radiation for medical and industrial purposes.

But uranium isn’t just used in nuclear power plants – it’s also used in some types of military weapons. It can be found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is mined in many countries around the world. Uranium has some isotopes, some of which are stable and some of which are radioactive.

Uranium was discovered in 1789 and was initially used for decorative purposes. It wasn’t until later that people realized just how radioactive it was and started using it in scientific and military applications.

20

Americium

Americium

Americium is a synthetic, radioactive metal that is produced artificially in small quantities. This metal is highly radioactive and has several isotopes, some of which are stable and some of which are radioactive. Radioactive isotopes have some uses, including as a source of alpha particles in smoke detectors and as a power source in spacecraft.

But that’s not all – americium is also used in many industrial and scientific applications, including in smoke detectors, as a power source in spacecraft, and as a source of neutrons in research and industry. It’s important to note that americium does not occur naturally on Earth and must be produced artificially in a laboratory.

Americium was discovered in 1944 and was named after the Americas. It was initially produced as a byproduct of the development of the first atomic bombs. Despite its many uses, americium is highly toxic and should be handled with caution. It can cause some health problems if ingested or inhaled, and it can accumulate in the body over time.

19

Plutonium

Plutonium

Plutonium is a synthetic, radioactive metal that is produced artificially in small quantities – talk about a rare and mysterious element!

Plutonium is used in some industrial and scientific applications, including as a fuel in nuclear weapons, as a power source in spacecraft, and as a source of neutrons in research and industry. It’s important to note that plutonium does not occur naturally on Earth and must be produced artificially in a laboratory.

18

Polonium

Polonium

Polonium is highly radioactive and has some isotopes, all of which are radioactive. It’s one of the most radioactive elements on the periodic table – talk about dangerous!

Polonium is found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust, but it can also be produced artificially in a laboratory. Despite its potential dangers, it has some industrial and scientific uses, including as a source of alpha particles in research and industry, as a heat source in some types of spacecraft, and as a poison. But beware – polonium is highly toxic and can cause several health problems if ingested or inhaled. It can accumulate in the body over time and can cause damage to the respiratory system, the nervous system, and the kidneys.

17

Tellurium

Tellurium

One of the most noticeable things about tellurium is its strong, garlic-like smell – it’s one of the few elements that have a noticeable smell! This element is also highly reactive and can form several compounds with other elements. It’s even reactive with water and oxygen, which can cause it to corrode.

Despite its potential dangers, tellurium has many industrial and scientific uses, including as an alloying agent in steel, as a catalyst in the production of certain chemicals, and as a component of some types of solar cells. It’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is usually obtained as a byproduct of the mining of other metals.

16

Selenium

Selenium

Selenium has some industrial and scientific uses, including as a component of some types of electronic devices, as a catalyst in the production of certain chemicals, and as a nutritional supplement.

Selenium can be toxic to humans in high doses and can cause many health problems, including hair loss, nerve damage, and kidney damage.

15

Sulfur

Sulfur

Sulfur has several industrial and scientific uses, including as a component of some types of fertilizers, as a raw material in the production of chemicals, and as a disinfectant. It’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is usually obtained through the extraction of natural gas or oil.

Despite its many uses, sulfur is not toxic to humans, although it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

14

Oxygen

Oxygen

Oxygen is a highly reactive element, and it readily forms compounds with a wide range of other elements. It is also a key component of water, which is essential to life on Earth.

Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe and is found in some different forms on Earth, including as a gas in the Earth’s atmosphere and as a component of compounds such as water and oxygen compounds in the Earth’s crust. It was discovered in the late 18th century and was named after the Greek word for “acid-forming,” as it was initially believed to be a component of all acids. It was later discovered to be an element in its own right.

Oxygen has several industrial and scientific uses, including as a fuel for combustion, as a component of welding gases, and as a medical treatment for patients with respiratory problems. Despite its many uses, oxygen is not toxic to humans, but it can be flammable and can support the combustion of other materials.

13

Nitrogen

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is chemically unreactive and does not readily form compounds with other elements. It is also a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, which makes it unique among the elements.

Nitrogen is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and is found in some different forms on Earth, including as a gas in the Earth’s atmosphere and as a component of compounds such as proteins and DNA. It was discovered in the late 18th century and was named after the Greek word for “niter-forming,” as it was initially believed to be a component of all nitric acids. It was later discovered to be an element in its own right.

12

Astatine

Astatine

Astatine is a super rare and super weird chemical element that is known for its radioactive properties. This element is so radioactive that it has several isotopes, all of which are radioactive too! In fact, astatine decays so quickly that it has a relatively short half-life – that means it disappears in the blink of an eye (well, relatively speaking).

Astatine is one of the rarest elements on the periodic table. It’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is produced artificially in a laboratory. Despite its rarity, astatine has some really cool scientific uses, including as a source of alpha particles in research and as a tracer in medical imaging. However, it hasn’t been used extensively in industrial applications due to its rarity and radioactivity.

11

Iodine

Iodine

Iodine is a bit of a chameleon – it can be found in several different forms, including as a solid, a liquid, and a gas. It’s also pretty reactive and loves to form compounds with other elements.

You might think that an element with so many different forms would be hard to find, but you’d be it’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is usually obtained through the extraction of natural gas or oil.

10

Bromine

elements

Bromine is a bit of a troublemaker – it’s highly reactive and loves to form compounds with other elements. In fact, bromine is so reactive that it’s usually found in a liquid form at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Bromine is pretty common. It’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is usually obtained through the extraction of natural gas or oil.

9

Chlorine

Chlorine

Chlorine is a highly reactive chemical element and it’s usually found as a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

You might think that an element that is so reactive would be hard to find, but you’d be wrong – chlorine is actually pretty common. It’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is usually obtained through the extraction of natural gas or oil. Chlorine also has several isotopes, some of which are stable and some of which are radioactive. Radioactive isotopes are used in a variety of scientific and medical applications.

8

Fluorine

Fluorine

Fluorine is the most reactive element on the periodic table and loves to form compounds with other elements. In fact, it’s so reactive that it’s usually found as a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Fluorine a component of some types of pesticides, which helps to keep our crops healthy and free from pests. It’s also a component of some types of plastics, which makes our everyday objects strong and durable. Plus, it’s added to water supplies as a public health measure to prevent tooth decay – how’s that for useful?

7

Radon

Radon

Radon is radioactive and decays rapidly, which makes it pretty special. It’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and is produced as a result of the radioactive decay of other elements. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is present in the environment.

Despite its radioactivity, radon has some really cool uses. It’s a source of alpha particles in research and is used as a tracer in medical imaging. However, it hasn’t been used extensively in industrial applications due to its radioactivity.

6

Xenon

Xenon

Xenon is found in small amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere and some minerals and compounds.

Despite its unreactive nature, xenon has some really cool uses. It’s a component of some types of light bulbs, which helps to light up our homes and streets. Plus, it’s used as an anesthetic in medicine.

5

Krypton

Krypton

Krypton is a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and it’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere and some minerals and compounds.

This element is not toxic to humans and does not pose a health risk when inhaled. However, it’s important to handle krypton with caution and to follow safety guidelines when using it. Krypton was discovered in 1898 and was named after the Greek word for “hidden,” “kryptos.

4

Argon

Argon

Argon is a noble gas that is chemically unreactive, which makes it pretty special. It’s a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and it’s found in small amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere and some minerals and compounds.

Argon is a component of some types of light bulbs, which helps to light up our homes and streets. It’s also a component of some types of refrigerants, which helps to keep our food fresh and our drinks cold. And it’s a component of some types of lasers, which are used in a variety of scientific and medical applications.

3

Neon

Neon

Neon is also a chemically unreactive gas.

But don’t let neon’s unreactive nature fool you – it’s got some seriously cool uses. It’s a component of some types of light bulbs, which helps to light up our homes and streets with vibrant, glowing colors. It’s also a component of some types of lasers, which are used in a variety of scientific and medical applications.

2

Helium

Helium

Helium is a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and it’s the second most abundant element in the universe.

Helium is a component of some types of balloons, which helps us to float up into the sky and see the world from a whole new perspective. It’s also a component of some types of airships, which allows us to travel through the air more traditionally. Plus, it’s used as a coolant in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and as a component of some types of lasers.

1

Hydrogen

weirdest elements

What makes hydrogen stand out is that it’s highly flammable and can ignite easily, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing depending on how it’s used.

Hydrogen is a component of some types of fuels, which helps us to power our cars, airplanes, and other forms of transportation. It’s also a component of some types of fertilizers, which helps to keep our plants and gardens healthy and strong. And it’s a component of some types of industrial chemicals, which helps to make all sorts of products that we use in our daily lives. Plus, it’s used as a coolant in some types of nuclear power plants – how’s that for versatile?



Photo: 1. NASA, Hydrogen (Public Domain), 2. Vuerqex, Helium (Public Domain), 3. wikipedia, Neon (Public Domain), 4. Dnn87, Argon, CC BY 3.0, 5. wikipedia, Krypton (Public Domain), 6. Argonne National Laboratory, Xenon (Public Domain), 7. wikicommons, Radon (Public Domain), 8. Robert M. Lavinsky, Fluorine, CC BY-SA 3.0, 9. Alexander C. Wimmer, Chlorine, CC BY-SA 3.0, 10. Alchemist-hp, Bromine, CC BY-SA 3.0, 11. LHcheM, Iodine, CC BY-SA 3.0, 12. Nobel foundation, Astatine (Public Domain), 13. NASA, Nitrogen (Public Domain), 14. U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jim Araos, Oxygen (Public Domain), 15. Ivar Leidus, Sulfur, CC BY-SA 4.0, 16. W. Oelen, Selenium, CC BY-SA 3.0, 17. wikicommons, Tellurium, CC BY 3.0, 18. Cadmium, Polonium (Public Domain), 19. U.S. Department of Energy, Plutonium (Public Domain), 20. Bionerd, Americium, CC BY 3.0, 21. Farhan, Uranium, CC BY-SA 3.0, 22. W. Oelen, Thallium, CC BY-SA 3.0, 23. Alchemist-hp, Bismuth (Public Domain), 24. Alchemist-hp, Lead (Public Domain), 25. Robert M. Lavinsky, Mercury, CC BY-SA 3.0