Scandium (element)
Image: Alchemist-hp (talk) (www.pse-mendelejew.de) (FAL)
Mineral NameScandium (element)
Chemical FormulaSc
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorsilvery-white
Cleavagenone
Fracturehackly
Specific Gravity2.989
Colorssilvery-white, gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityPrimarily extracted from minerals found in countries like China, Russia, and Ukraine.
Mineral GroupElement (Transition Metal)
Useslightweight alloys, aerospace, sports equipment, high-intensity discharge lamps, research
Associated Mineralsthortveitite, euxenite, gadolinite
Rarityrare
Description
The image displays two pieces of sublimed dendritic scandium metal with a rough, crystalline texture, alongside a polished 1cm³ cube of the same silvery-gray metal.
Geological Context
Scandium is a rare earth element found in trace amounts in over 800 minerals, primarily concentrated in rare earth and uranium deposits. It is not found as a native element in significant quantities but is extracted from these minerals.
