Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of transition metals. Scandium is relatively rare in the Earth's crust and is often found in minerals such as thortveitite and garnet. It is primarily used in aerospace components and sports equipment due to its lightweight and strength. Discovered in 1879 by the Swedish chemist Lars Fredrik Nilson, scandium has unique properties that make it valuable in various applications. It is often alloyed with aluminum to improve strength and corrosion resistance. Scandium also plays a role in producing high-intensity discharge lamps.