Scandium is a transition metal with atomic number 21, known for its rarity and its use in aerospace components due to its lightweight and high strength. It is often found in rare earth deposits and is primarily extracted from the minerals thortveitite and bazzite.

Scandium

Transition metal

Atomic number 21

Rarity refers to the uncommonness or infrequency of an item, trait, or phenomenon, which often enhances its value or desirability in various contexts such as economics, biology, and culture. Understanding rarity involves assessing factors like distribution, demand, and intrinsic qualities that contribute to its scarcity and perceived worth.

Rarity

Aerospace components

Lightweight

High strength

Rare earth deposits

Extraction refers to the process of separating a desired substance from a complex mixture, often using physical or chemical methods. It is a fundamental technique in fields like chemistry, biology, and environmental science, facilitating the isolation and analysis of specific components for further study or utilization.

Extraction

Thortveitite is a rare scandium yttrium silicate mineral, notable for its high scandium content, making it a significant source of this rare earth element. Its discovery and study contribute to the understanding of mineral formation processes and the distribution of rare earth elements in the Earth's crust.

Thortveitite

Bazzite is a rare beryllium cyclosilicate mineral, typically found in granitic pegmatites and associated with other beryllium minerals. It is characterized by its distinct blue color, which is attributed to trace amounts of iron and other impurities within its crystal structure.

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