What is Scandium? Definitions, and Examples

Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, scandium is found in group 3 of the periodic table. Scandium was discovered in 1879 by spectral analysis of the minerals euxenite and gadolinite from Scandinavia.

What is Scandium?

Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. It is a silvery-white metallic d-block element that has historically been classified as a rare earth element, together with yttrium and the lanthanides. The discovery of scandium in 1879 by spectral analysis of minerals from Scandinavia was a major contribution to the periodic table of elements.

Scandium is relatively abundant in the Sun and stars, but it is not often found on Earth because it reacts easily with oxygen in air. Scandium metal is used in some aluminum alloys and as a minor component in other alloys. Alloys containing scandium are often used in aircraft and rocketry, as well as baseball bats and golf clubs. Scandium compounds are also used for making glasses and ceramics that are resistant to high temperatures.

What is the melting point of Scandium?

Scandium is a silvery-white transition metal that is soft enough to be cut with a knife. It has an atomic number of 21 and is represented by the symbol Sc.

The melting point of scandium is 1541 degrees Celsius.

What is the boiling point of Scandium?

The boiling point of scandium is 2830 degrees Celsius.

Where is Scandium Found?

Scandium is not found free in nature, but it is widely distributed in many different minerals, including thortveitite, euxenite, and gadolinite. Scandium makes up about 0.21 parts per million of the Earth’s crust by weight.

What are the Properties of Scandium?

Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, scandium is fairly soft for a metal. In its pure form, it is also relatively rare in Earth’s crust, comprising only about 21 parts per million.

The principal source of scandium is the minerals thortveitite and euxenite, which contain up to 25% scandium oxide (Sc2O3). Lesser commercial sources include the minerals gahnite and monazite, which contain up to 12% scandium oxide. The main mining area for scandium is in southern China.

What are the Uses of Scandium?

Scandium is a relatively new metal that is still being explored for its potential uses. So far, scandium has been used in:

-LED lights
-Electronics
-Aerospace engineering
-Automotive engineering

Scandium is prized for its strength and lightness, making it ideal for use in various high-tech applications. LED lights, in particular, benefit from the addition of scandium as it makes them more efficient and longer lasting. In the future, scandium may find even more uses as its properties are further explored and exploited.

Is Scandium Toxic?

Scandium is a silvery white metal that is relatively rare in the Earth’s crust. While it is not considered toxic, exposure to scandium can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Inhaling large amounts of dust or vapor from scandium compounds can also be harmful.

Conclusion

Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, scandium is found in most of the rare earth minerals. In nature, it only exists in trace amounts but its compounds are sometimes used in steelmaking and other metallurgical processes. Scandium has also been used as a non-radioactive tracer in lab studies. Thanks for reading!