Scandium (Sc): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Scandium is a light metal that is counted as a rare earth because it occurs in the same ores and behaves similarly in chemistry. Scandium is produced in very small amounts, mostly as a by-product, so supply is thin and buyers often sign direct contracts with producers.
| Symbol | Sc |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 21 |
| Group | Scandium and yttrium |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | Aluminium-scandium alloys; Solid oxide fuel cells; 5G radio frequency filters; Lighting |
| Main sources | By-product of titanium dioxide, nickel laterite and other mineral processing |
| China export status | Export licence required (since April 2025) |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Scandium Price
Scandium has no exchange-traded benchmark. Prices are set in private contracts and vary widely with purity and volume.
For the rare earths that do have public price series, see the rare earth price charts, and how rare earth pricing works for why most rare earths have no transparent benchmark.
What Is Scandium Used For?
- Aluminium-scandium alloys. Small scandium additions make aluminium stronger and easier to weld, used in aerospace, defense and sporting goods.
- Solid oxide fuel cells. Scandia-stabilised zirconia is used as the electrolyte in some high-efficiency fuel cells.
- 5G radio frequency filters. Scandium aluminium nitride thin films improve the performance of filters in smartphones and base stations.
- Lighting. Scandium iodide is used in metal halide lamps for stadium and film lighting.
Where Does Scandium Come From?
Scandium supply comes mainly from residues of other processing, such as titanium dioxide pigment production and nickel laterite leaching, rather than from dedicated scandium mines. China is the largest producer. Rio Tinto recovers scandium oxide in Quebec, and several projects in Australia and the US plan scandium output alongside other metals.
China export controls on scandium
China has required an export licence for this element since April 2025, alongside samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. Licences are granted case by case, which has caused delays and price gaps between China and other markets.
How to Invest in Scandium
Scandium exposure is limited. No large company depends on scandium revenue. Developers planning scandium output include Sunrise Energy Metals (Syerston, Australia) and NioCorp (Elk Creek, Nebraska), both early-stage and dependent on financing. Rare earth ETFs hold little or no scandium-specific exposure.
For broader rare earth exposure, see the rare earth stock watchlist or the rare earth ETF comparison.
Scandium Investment Risks
- A very small market means a single new supplier or buyer can move prices sharply.
- Demand depends on manufacturers qualifying scandium alloys and fuel cells, which takes years.
- Development-stage companies carry high financing and execution risk.
Scandium FAQ
Is scandium a rare earth element?
Yes, scandium is one of the 17 rare earth elements, even though it is not a lanthanide. Scandium is grouped with the rare earths because it occurs in similar deposits and has similar chemistry.
What is scandium used for?
Scandium is used mainly in aluminium-scandium alloys and in solid oxide fuel cells. Smaller uses include 5G radio frequency filters and metal halide lighting.
Can you invest in scandium?
You can invest in scandium only indirectly, through a few small developers planning scandium production or large miners that recover it as a by-product. There is no scandium ETF and no scandium futures market.
Other Scandium and yttrium Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.