Is scandium a synthetic element?
Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, it has historically been classified as a rare-earth element, together with yttrium and the lanthanides….
| Scandium | |
|---|---|
| Group | group 3 |
| Period | period 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d1 4s2 |
How is scandium refined?
Metallic scandium can be prepared by reducing the fluoride with calcium metal. It can also be prepared by electrolysing molten potassium, lithium and scandium chlorides, using electrodes of tungsten wire and molten zinc.
Is scandium a chemical?
scandium (Sc), chemical element, a rare-earth metal of Group 3 of the periodic table. Scandium is found in small proportions, generally less than 0.2 percent, in many of the heavy lanthanide ores and in many tin, uranium, and tungsten ores.
Is scandium mined?
There is currently no dedicated single mine source and it estimated that only 15 tonnes of scandium are produced globally each year. Scandium exists in nature in its oxide form. It is very difficult to reduce to its pure elemental state.
Is scandium bad for humans?
Health effects of scandium Scandium is mostly dangerous in the working environment, due to the fact that damps and gasses can be inhaled with air. This can cause lung embolisms, especially during long-term exposure. Scandium can be a threat to the liver when it accumulates in the human body.
Which is the only concentrated source of scandium?
However, scandium is distributed sparsely and occurs in trace amounts in many minerals. Rare minerals from Scandinavia and Madagascar such as thortveitite, euxenite, and gadolinite are the only known concentrated sources of this element.
How is scandium classified as a rare earth element?
talk. edit. | references. Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, it has historically been classified as a rare-earth element, together with yttrium and the lanthanides.
Are there any known health effects of scandium?
Health effects Scandium is non-toxic in nature. And is has no known biological role. Certain compounds of scandium, however are highly hazardous for individuals working in laboratory areas and industries.
How is scandium like a lanthanide like element?
Scandium properties are similar with yttrium so it is often classified as a lanthanide like element. Its compound mostly exists in +3 oxidation state. Its oxides and hydroxide are amphoteric (ion that can react with both acid and base).