| Name: scandium | Group number: 3 |
| Symbol: Sc | Group name: (none) |
| Atomic number: 21 | Period number: 4 |
| Atomic weight: 44.955910 (8) | Block: d-block |
| CAS Registry ID: 7440-20-2 | Voice:  |
| Standard state: solid at 298 K | Colour: silvery white |
| Classification: Metallic | Availability: |
 Image adapted with permission from Prof James Marshall"s (U. North Texas, USA) Walking Tour of the elements CD.Scandium is apparently a much more abundant element in the sun and certain stars than on earth. Scandium is a silvery-white metal which develops a slightly yellowish or pinkish cast upon exposure to air. It is relatively soft, and resembles yttrium and the rare-earth metals more than it resembles aluminium or titanium. Scandium reacts rapidly with many acids. IsolationHere is a brief summary of the isolation of scandium.Preparation of metallic samples of scandium is not normally necessary given that it is commercially avaialable. In practice littel scandium is produced. The mineral thortveitite contains 35-40% Sc2O3 is used to produce scandium metal but another important source is as a byproduct from uranium ore processing, even though these only contain 0.02% Sc2O3. | |