scandium

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scandium (symbol Sc) Silver-white, metallic element of group III of the periodic table discovered in 1879 by Swedish chemist Lars Nilson (1840–99) and named for Scandinavia where it was discovered. It is found in thortveitite and, in small amounts, in other minerals. Scandium is a soft metal used as a radioactive tracer and in nickel alkaline storage batteries. Chemically it resembles the rare-earth metals of the lanthanide series. Properties: at.no. 21; r.a.m. 44.956; r.d 2.99; m.p. 1539°C (2802°F); b.p. 2832°C (5130°F); most common isotope Sc45 (100%).

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