Scandium
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Scandium (Sc) is a silvery-white metal that has the atomic number 21 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal and located in Group 3 of the periodic table. It has the symbol Sc.
Scandium is a transition metal part of the d electron block of the periodic table and is categorised as a rare earth metal that is only found in ores and not naturally occurring in the earth’s crust. It is commonly present in deposits of Uranium and is difficult to extract. It was first discovered in 1879 by Lars Nilson who conducted a spectra of the unknown compound but it was not until 1937 that Fischer and co managed to isolate Scandium from ores. Industrially, the production of pure Scandium is difficult so it is very often produced as Scandium Oxide. Only three mines in the world are known to contain Scandium compounds. Scandium is used in the alloying of metals, commonly with aluminium due to its strength and lightweight. It is located in Group 3 and it has a melting point of 1541°c and a boiling point of 2836°c being a solid metal at room temperature.
FAQ's
Lars Nilson
1879
Uses
Scandium metal is used in some aerospace applications. Scandum oxide (Sc2O3) is used in the manufacture of high-intensity electric lamps. Scandium iodide (ScI3) is used in lamps that produce light having a color closely matching natural sunlight.
Sources
Occurs mainly in the minerals thortveitile (~34% scandium) and wiikite. Also in some tin and tungsten ores. Pure scandium is obtained as a by-product of uranium refining.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Sc
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