There are 35 naturally occurring isotopes capable of double beta decay. In practice, the decay can be observed when the single beta decay is forbidden by energy conservation. This happens for elements with an even atomic number and even neutron number, which are more stable due to spin-coupling. When single beta decay or alpha decay also occur, the double beta decay rate is generally too low to observe. However, the double beta decay of (also an alpha emitter) has been measured radiochemically. Two other nuclides in which double beta decay has been observed, and , can also theoretically single beta decay, but this decay is extremely suppressed and has never been observed.
