Scandium

Scandium is one of the world's most expensive precious metals. The symbol Sc, or atomic number 21.A, can be used to identify this chemical element. Scandium acetate is priced at $44 per gram.

Scandium was found in 1879 by spectrum investigation of the minerals euxenite and gadolinite in Scandinavia. Lars Nilsson, a Swedish scientist, is credited with giving it the Scandinavian name.

It has a silvery-white metallic hue and has been classed as a rare-earth element throughout history. It's present in most rare-earth and uranium-based deposits, but it's only recovered from certain ores in a few mines across the world.

Price: $44 per gram