Sc - Scandium

Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. It is a rare, silvery-white metallic d-block element, historically classified as a rare earth element, and it was discovered in 1879 by spectral analysis of the minerals euxenite and gadolinite from Scandinavia.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Scandium is a silvery-white metal that develops a slightly yellowish or pinkish cast upon exposure to air.
• Atomic Weight: 44.955908(5)
• Density: 2.985 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature.
• Melting Point: 1,541 degrees Celsius (2,806 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Boiling Point: 2,830 degrees Celsius (5,130 degrees Fahrenheit).
• State at Room Temperature: Solid.

Applications

• Aerospace Industry: Scandium is used in some aerospace components and in the manufacturing of aircraft. Alloys of scandium with aluminum can significantly increase the strength and reduce the weight of aircraft structures.
• Sports Equipment: Scandium is used to make high-performance sports equipment such as baseball bats, bicycle frames, and fishing rods, thanks to its light weight and high strength.
• Electronics: It is used in the production of some electronic components and in solid-state devices like lasers and mercury vapor lamps.
• 3D Printing: Scandium-aluminum alloys are also promising materials for 3D printing applications, offering improved performance for certain parts.

Compounds

• Scandium Oxide (Sc2O3): This is one of the most important scandium compounds, used in the production of high-intensity lights and in the electronic industry for solid-state devices.
• Scandium Fluoride (ScF3): Used in optical applications and as a catalyst in organic chemistry.
• Scandium Chloride (ScCl3): Utilized in the synthesis of other scandium compounds and as a starting material for the production of ultra-pure scandium metal.

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