Scandium

Scandium
Properties
Atomic symbol	Sc
Atomic number	21
Classification	Transition metal
Atomic mass	45.0 amu
Other Information
Date of discovery	1879
Name of discoverer	Lars Nilson
Name origin	From Scandinavia
Uses	Nil known
Obtained from	Minerals (thortveitile, wiikite)

Scandium is a metallic element that has the atomic number of 21. It is one of the Rare earth elements.

Uses

This metal is primarily useful when combined with others. Scandium and aluminum form an alloy which is used in the aerospace industry. The Russian military aircraft MiG-21 and MiG-29 also used this material. However, this alloy is very expensive, so alloys of titanium are much more commonly used in aircraft. Scandium is also used in sporting equipment, revolvers, and bicycles. Also, scandium iodide with sodium iodide is used to create gas-discharge lamps. A radioactive isotope of scandium is also used as tracing agent to assist in crude oil analysis on oil rigs.