Scandium
by Yogi P - October 22, 2023
Scandium: A Rare Earth Element With Unexpected Uses
Scandium is one of the rarest elements on the periodic table and is often found in combination with other elements. Its name comes from a Latin word for Scandinavia, a region of Europe where it was first discovered.
This rare metal may be out of sight but is far from out of mind, as it has just begun to realize its importance in sensational new uses.
History and Discovery of Scandium
Scandium was discovered in 1879 by the Swedish chemist Lars Fredrik Nilson. He isolated the element from a sample of rare earth minerals mined in Scandinavia. At first, he thought he had discovered the element euxenite, but after further testing it was discovered to be a new yet-undiscovered element.
It wasn’t until the turn of the twentieth century that scandium was officially named and classified as a member of the periodic table.
Properties of Scandium
- Atomic number: 21
- Symbol: Sc
- Atomic mass: 44.956 g/mol
- Melting point: 1539.0 °C
- Boiling point: 2836.0 °C
- Density: 2.989 g/cm3
- Valence electrons: 3
Uses of Scandium
One of the most common uses of scandium is in the production of aluminium alloys for aircraft and automobiles. This is because when combined with aluminium, scandium forms a strong, light, and corrosion-resistant alloy.
Another use for scandium is in high-intensity lighting, such as the lamps used on sports fields. Scandium is also used in nuclear reactors, lasers and electronics.
Safety Precautions
Scandium is not considered a hazardous material, but it is best to handle with caution. If ingested, it can cause irritation to the digestive system and wear protective gloves when handling it in powder form.
When storing scandium, it is best to keep it in an airtight container away from any water or oxidizers.
Conclusion
Scandium may not be a household name but it is an extremely useful element with a range of industrial applications. It is an important component in lightweight aluminum alloys for aircraft and performance lighting for sports fields.
Although it is rare on earth, it is important to make sure that when we use scandium, we do it in a safe and responsible manner.
