Scandium
By Grace Ochoa
Element Info
Atomic Number: 21
Atomic Weight: 44.955912
Melting Point: 1814 K (1541°C or 2806°F)
Boiling Point: 3109 K (2836°C or 5137°F)
Density: 2.99 grams per cubic centimeter
Phase at Room Temperature: Solid
Element Classification: Metal
Period Number: 4 Group Number: 3 Group Name: none
Classification: Scandium is a rare earth, transition metal
Color: Silvery White
Uses
Scandium is used in aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace industry components and for sports equipment such as bicycle frames, fishing rods, golf iron shafts and baseball bats. Scandium iodide is used in mercury vapor lamps, which are used to replicate sunlight in studios for the film and television industry.
Reactions
Scandium is a soft, silvery transition element which occurs in rare minerals from Scandinavia. It develops a slightly yellowish or pinkish cast when exposed to air. Scandium tarnished in air can burn easily, once it has been ignited. It reacts with water to form hydrogen gas and will dissolve in many acids. Pure scandium is produced by heating scandium fluoride (ScF3) with calcium metal.
Where It Can be Found
Scandium is not found free in nature but is found combined in minute amounts in over 800 minerals. Rare minerals from Scandinavia and Madagascar (thortveitite, euxenite, and gadolinite) are the only known concentrated sources of the element.
Sources
1. "The Element Scandium." It's Elemental -. Steve Gagnon, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele021.html>.
2. "Scandium Element Facts." Chemicool. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://www.chemicool.com/elements/scandium.html>.
3. "Scandium- Sc." Scandium (Sc). Lenntech B.V, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. <http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/sc.htm>.