First Uses of the Periodic Table Element – Francium

First Uses of the Periodic Table Element - Francium. The Forgotten Element: Francium's Historic Uses and Abandonment. In the vast periodic table of elements, francium (Fr) holds a position shrouded in mystery and intrigue. As the second rarest naturally occurring element on Earth, francium's enigmatic nature has captivated scientists since its discovery in 1939. Initially believed to have revolutionary applications across multiple fields, francium's potential was soon overshadowed by its inherent instability and radioactivity. In this article, we delve into the first uses of francium and explore why it is no longer employed for those purposes.