Formally, scandium is the first element of the first row of transition metals. From a chemical point of view, however, it hardly can be called a transition metal. It hardly shows the rich chemistry of the other metals in its row of transition metals. It more resembles the earth alkali metals, except that it has oxidation state +3 in its compounds. It is a metal with a clearly visible yellowish tint, but this may be due to slight tarnishing in air. The piece of metal, shown here, has a size of almost 1 cm along its long axis.