Britannica Sources used in this answer

When was polonium discovered?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — oxygen group element Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Polonium was discovered in 1898 by Pierre and Marie Curie. The discovery, which was officially announced in July 1898, occurred while the Curies were investigating the radioactivity of pitchblende, a uranium ore.12

Recognized as the first element discovered through radiochemical analysis, it was named after Marie Curie’s homeland, Poland. Polonium is a member of the oxygen group (Group 16) of the periodic table.21