Scandium (Sc)

Scandium (Sc)

Atomic Number: 21
Atomic Weight: 44.96
Melting Point: 1541
Boiling Point: 2831
Specific Gravity: 2.989
Valence(s): 3

Scandium was discovered by Nilson in 1879. Scandium is widely distributed in very small quantities in over 800 minerals, the two most common being euxenite and gadolinite. Its lightness and high melting point are of interest to missile and spacecraft designers. Scandium is named after Scandinavia, the place where it was discovered. [LM] {RW}