Technetium is an artificial element with an atomic number of 43 that has a silver-grey color similar to platinum. It was the first element to be artificially produced and gets its name from the Greek word "technetos" meaning artificial. Technetium was discovered in 1925 by Walter Noddack, Otto Berg and Ida Tacke using x-ray diffraction spectograms, though some credit its discovery to Emilio Segre in 1933. While only found naturally in small amounts, it can be produced commercially as a byproduct of nuclear reactors and weapons. Technetium-99m is used in diagnostic medical imaging tests due to its radioactive properties but has no industrial uses.

1. TechnetiumBy Meghan Hewitt

2. The Quick FactsElement name: Tc & Atomic Number: 43

3. melting point: 3,942 F and boiling point: 8,811 F

4. Technetium pronounced (tek-NEE-shi-um) has a silver grey color similar to platinum