Scandium: A Rare Earth Element That Isn’t Actually Rare

Scandium: A Rare Earth Element That Isn’t Actually Rare

When people hear the term “rare earth” attached to an element, they often assume there is very little of it left on Earth. It’s an understandable conclusion—but in the case of scandium, the term is misleading. Scandium is not scarce. Instead, its reputation comes from how it is distributed and recovered. Understanding this distinction helps explain why scandium oxide continues to play an important role in solid oxide fuel cell technology. Why “R…