Scandium Facts

Scandium is classified under the transition metals, which have the property of being malleable and ductile, and the ability to conduct heat and electricity. The specific property of these elements is that the valence electrons in their atomic structure, are present in more than one shell. The element is denoted by the symbol 'Sc'. Also it is separated in the form of a by-product of the processing of certain kinds of uranium ores. Lars Nilson, a Swedish chemist, was responsible for the discovery of this element. It took place in the year 1879.

Scandium Properties

Properties
Symbol	Sc
Atomic Number (No. of protons or electrons)	21
Atomic Mass	44.95591 amu (atomic mass unit)
Electronic Configuration of Neptunium	[Ar] 3d1 4s2
Number of Neutrons	24
Melting Point	1814 K (Kelvin)
Boiling Point	3104 K
Crystal Structure (Lattice Structure)	Hexagonal
Density	2.99 g/cc
Atomic Radius	162 pm
Oxidation States	3
Evaporation Heat	332.7 kJ/mol
Atomic Volume	15.0 cc/mol
Specific heat	0.556 J/g mol
Lattice Constant	3.310 Å

Basic Facts About Scandium

• If you expose this element to air, you would be able to see it changing its appearance to slightly yellowish or pinkish color.
• Scandium is a metal that does not possess the property which can protect it from the effects of weathering. Which is why, it can be easily dissolved in most dilute acids.
• This element is known to exist naturally, as single isotope that is ⁴⁵Sc.
• Among the elements which are commonly available on the Earth's surface, scandium occupies the 50th position, while at the crust it is the 35th.
• One interesting fact about scandium is that it is also among the common elements found in the star that fuels our earth - the Sun. There, it is in the 23rd position among the most common elements.
• The sources of this element are rare. According to what scientists have been able to discover, there are certain rare minerals which are known to be the source of this element. These include thortveitite, euxenite, and gadolinite.
• Very few people are aware of the fact that the element is in its most stable form during the formation of supernovas.
• As far as the uses are concerned, scandium is employed in the manufacture of lights which are required to have a high intensity of illumination.
• There are mercury vapor lamps, whose light resemble that of the sun. Now for this effect, scandium iodide is put to use.

Alloys of aluminum and scandium finds its application in the manufacture of stuffs which are required for high performance. Common examples are baseball bats, bicycles frames, etc. Also most scientists claim that scandium does not pose any threat to health, and it is not toxic.