Scandium has the atomic number 21 and is represented in the periodic table by the symbol 'Sc'.
Scandium is extracted from one of Scandinavia's rare minerals. When exposed to air, it develops a yellowish or pinkish cast. Scandium has the property of easily tarnishing and burning when ignited. It will also dissolve in acids and react with hydrogen gas.
Scandium is produced by heating scandium fluoride (ScF3) with calcium metal. This uncommon chemical can be found in household items such as glasses, energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, and televisions.
Scandium has been shown to reduce solidification cracking in high-strength aluminum alloy welding. Scandium is becoming more popular as a suitable catalyzer for polishing glass. Aluminum scandium alloys are primarily used in the aerospace industry and sports equipment (like baseball, bikes, etc.)
Scandium is found in trace amounts in nature. It is the 50th most abundant element on Earth, and it can be found in trace amounts in over 800 minerals. The total annual production will be only 50 kg.
