Explore all 118 elements with atomic mass, electron configuration, and properties. Includes African mining context — which elements are found where on the continent.
The periodic table of elements is one of the most important tools in chemistry and science education. It organizes all 118 known elements by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. This interactive version adds an African dimension — highlighting which elements are significantly mined or found on the African continent.
Africa is extraordinarily rich in mineral resources. The continent produces over 50% of the world's cobalt (primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo), is the leading source of platinum group metals (South Africa's Bushveld Complex), and is a major producer of gold (Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Mali), diamonds (Botswana, DRC, South Africa), and manganese (South Africa, Gabon). These elements are critical for modern technology, from smartphones to electric vehicles.
Understanding the periodic table is fundamental to science education across Africa. Whether you're a secondary school student preparing for WAEC, KCSE, or Matric exams, or a university student studying chemistry, this tool provides quick access to essential element data including atomic mass, electron configuration, density, melting point, boiling point, and electronegativity.
The rare earth elements (lanthanides) deserve special attention in the African context. Countries like Burundi, Malawi, and South Africa have significant rare earth deposits that are becoming increasingly valuable as the world transitions to green energy technologies. Tantalum from Central Africa is essential for electronic capacitors, while lithium deposits in Zimbabwe and the DRC are critical for battery production.
There are 118 confirmed elements, from hydrogen (1) to oganesson (118). Elements 1-94 occur naturally, while elements 95-118 are synthetic (created in laboratories). The most recently confirmed elements (113-118) were added in 2016.
Africa is a major producer of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), diamonds (C), tantalum (Ta), coltan, uranium (U), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), and many others. South Africa and the DRC are the continent's two most significant mining economies.