Origin / Meaning of the name Scandium
Originates from the Latin word Scandia meaning "Scandinavia".
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Scandium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Scandium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
Facts about the History of the Discovery of Scandium Element
Scandium was discovered by Lars Nilson in 1879. Per Teodor Cleve discovered scandium oxide at about the same time as Nilson. In 1869 Dmitri Mendeleev, using his periodic law, predicted its existence and some properties of this element, which he called ekaboron, .
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Scandium Element
Obtained from minerals thortveitile and wiikite in Scandinavia and Malagasy
23rd most abundant element in the sun
50th most abundant element on Earth
Abundance of Scandium
% in Universe 3×10-6%
% in Sun 4×10-6%
% in Meteorites 0.00064%
% in Earth's Crust 0.0026%
% in Oceans 1.5×10-10%
% in Humans N/A
Uses of Scandium
Used as a tracer in studies of oil wells and pipelines
