Scandium can be obtained from the minerals thortveitite ((Sc, Y)2Si2O7), bazzite (Be3(Sc, Al)2Si6O18) and wiikite, but is usually obtained as a byproduct of refining uranium. Metallic scandium was first produced in 1937 and the first pound (0.45 kilograms) of pure scandium was produced in 1960.
Is scandium found in its pure form?
Scandium is a silvery metal that is soft and has a density of about three times that of water. ... Scandium is scattered thinly and has been found in over 800 minerals. Within these minerals, scandium is found in its oxide form (Sc2O3, also known as scandia or scandium oxide), according to Scandium Mining.
How is scandium separated?
For separation of scandium from REE, successive solvent extraction processes are required followed by precipitation, usually using oxalic acid. The precipitate is then heated to form scandium oxide. REE ores often occur in association with other valuable elements such as Nb, Ta and In.
