Superheavies in Nature – Where and How to Look

Abstract

In searching for superheavy elements in nature it is usually assumed that the SHE (1) follows the chemistry of its lighter homolog and (2) decays by spontaneous fission. The sensitivity of SHE detection can be substantially improved by replacing these assumptions by a consideration of the geo-chemical fractionation processes, and by using a mass spectrometer. A good candidate for a search would be element 112, eka-mercury. It is expected to be more volatile and more noble than Hg so that it may behave like a heavy rare gas and be concentrated in the earth's atmosphere.