Scandium is a rare metal that is used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, electronics, and lighting. It is a soft, light metal with a silvery appearance and a high melting point.
Sources of scandium:
Scandium is primarily obtained from minerals that contain rare earth elements, such as bastnasite and monazite.
The largest deposits of scandium are found in Russia, China, and Australia. Other countries with smaller deposits include Canada, the United States, Brazil, and South Africa.
Production of scandium:
Scandium is extracted from its ores through a series of processes, including crushing, grinding, and separation.
The process of separation involves using different chemicals to extract scandium from other minerals. For example, scandium can be separated from other elements by using a process called ion exchange.
Properties of scandium:
Scandium has a silvery appearance and is a light metal, with a density of 2.99 grams per cubic centimeter.
It is a relatively soft metal, with a Mohs hardness of 4.0.
Scandium has a high melting point, at 1,525°C, and a boiling point of 2,875°C.
It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Scandium is also highly reactive, and reacts with many chemicals, including water and air. This means that it must be stored in a protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation.
Scandium is often used in alloys, as it can enhance the strength and durability of other metals. One example is the use of scandium in aluminum alloys for aerospace applications.