scandium

[skan-dee-uhm]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a rare, trivalent, metallic element obtained from thortveitite. Sc; 44.956; 21; 3.0.

scandium

/ ˈskændɪəm /

noun

1. a rare light silvery-white metallic element occurring in minute quantities in numerous minerals. Symbol: Sc; atomic no: 21; atomic wt: 44.955910; valency: 3; relative density: 2.989; melting pt: 1541°C; boiling pt: 2836°C

scandium

1. A soft, silvery, very lightweight metallic element that is found in various rare minerals and is a byproduct in the processing of certain uranium ores. It has a high melting point and is used to make high-intensity lights. Atomic number 21; atomic weight 44.956; melting point 1,540°C; boiling point 2,850°C; specific gravity 2.99; valence 3.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; Scandia, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandium¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin Scandia Scandinavia, where it was discovered

Example Sentences

These include scandium, yttrium and the lanthanides, which account for 15 chemical elements in the periodic table.

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The region holds deposits of many of the very elements China has placed under export controls: yttrium, scandium, erbium, europium, ytterbium, samarium, and lutetium.

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In August, NioCorp subsidiary Elk Creek Resources Corp. was awarded a $10 million grant from the Pentagon to help establish what the company describes as the first domestic scandium mine-to-master alloy supply chain.

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The deep sea is home to minerals such as lithium, scandium and cobalt - which are critical for green technologies.

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The most challenging and expensive aspect of making pure rare earth materials -- the 14 lanthanides as well as yttrium and scandium -- for clean energy technologies is separating individual rare earth elements from one another.

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