SCANDIUM (SC)

last update 01 oct 08

* Scandium is a member of the transition metals family:

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   SCANDIUM / Sc / 21

   A soft, silvery-white reactive metal that tarnishes rapidly and
   burns easily if ignited, reacting after immersion in water to
   release hydrogen gas.  Nearly all scandium is in the form of stable
   Sc<45/21>, though there are tiny traces of radioactive isotopes of
   scandium found in the soil as well.

     atomic weight:       44.955910
     abundance:           35th 
     density:             2.989 g/cc
     melting point:       1,541 C
     boiling point:       2,836 C
     valence:             3
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Scandium has a few minor uses. For example, it can be used to improve the germination of seeds: when seeds are sprayed with a weak solution of scandium in water, the number of seeds that germinate are increased. Scandium has properties surprisingly similar to aluminum, differing mainly in a higher melting point, and could be used in similar applications, but its distribution is dispersed and it is very expensive.