What is Scandium? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts
What is Scandium?
Scandium is the first element in the third column of the periodic table. It is classified as a transition metal or a rare earth metal. The scandium atom has 21 electrons and 21 protons with 2 valence electrons in the outermost shell.
Characteristics and Properties
Under standard conditions, scandium is a silvery-white metal. It is quite soft and almost as light as aluminum. When scandium is first exposed to air, it tarnishes to a pinkish or yellowish color.
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In its pure form, scandium reacts with acids. However, it does not react with oxygen and has very good corrosion resistance. It has a very high melting point, making it a good substitute for aluminum in high temperature applications.
Highlights of Scandium:
| Symbol | Sc |
| Atomic Number | 21 |
| Atomic Weight | 44.9559 |
| Classification | Transition metal or rare earth metal |
| Phase at Room Temperature | Solid |
| Density | 2.985 grams per cm cubed |
| Melting Point | 1541°C, 2806°F |
| Boiling Point | 2836°C, 5136°F |
| Discovered by | Lars Frederik Nilson in 1879 |
Where is Scandium found on Earth?
Scandium is a fairly rare element on earth, being the 50th most common element. It is usually found only in small amounts in minerals. Only a few minerals have reasonable scandium content, including gadolinite, thortveitite and andeuxenite.
Scandium is often a by-product of mining for other elements such as fluorine and tantalum. Some scandium is also produced as a by-product of uranium refining.
How is Scandium used today?
Scandium is used with aluminum to create strong, durable alloys used in aircraft parts, golf clubs, firearms, and even high-end baseball bats.
Scandium is also used to produce a bright light that closely resembles the reproduction of sunlight. These lights are used for sporting events and movie productions.
How was it discovered?
Swedish chemist Lars F. Nilson first discovered scandium in experiments with the minerals gadolinite and ilsenite in 1879. It was not until 1937 that the first metallic scandium was created.
Where did Scandium get its name?
Lars F. Nilson named scandium after his hometown using the Latin word “Scandia” which means “Scandinavia”. Sweden is part of Scandinavia.
Isotopes
Scandium has several isotopes, but the only one found naturally is scandium-45.
Interesting Facts about Scandium
Scandium is difficult to isolate in its pure form. It was not until 1960 that the first pound of scandium was produced.
One potential application of scandium is in fuel cells.
It is most abundant in stars where it is around the 26th most abundant element.
The only areas with sufficiently high levels of scandium are thought to be in Norway and Madagascar.
The element predicted by Mendeleev’s periodic table.