The chemical symbol for the element fluorine is F. This symbol is derived from its name and is part of the periodic table of elements, where fluorine is classified as a halogen, located in group 17. Fluorine is a highly reactive and corrosive gas at room temperature, making it one of the most electronegative elements. It plays a critical role in various industrial applications, including the production of fluorine-containing compounds like tetrafluoroethylene and fluoropolymers. Due to its reactivity, fluorine is not found uncombined in nature but is commonly found in minerals and compounds, particularly in the form of fluorides.