Scandium oxide is used wherever particularly hard and light alloys are required. It is used in the construction of lightweight cars, bicycles, and aviation. An alloy of aluminum and scandium oxide “lightens” aircraft by 15 to 20 percent compared to typical models. Those who frequent football stadiums are already familiar with another effect of scandium oxide: its ability to “shine” (in floodlights).

Lastly, scandium does something for the environment too – solid oxide fuel cells with this rare earth reduce the CO2 footprint in power supply. In its basic form, scandium oxide is a soft, silvery-white lightweight metal. It is usually found as a byproduct during the processing of uranium-containing ores or other rare earths. The current sources are China, Ukraine, and Russia. Scandium oxide can also be found on the seabed of the Arctic Ocean – a possible source of the future.

Scandium Oxide

Main Applications and Price Development