As an alloy component for titanium, nickel and other main metals, scandium improves grain fineness, strength and mechanical properties. In the aviation industry, which relies on ever more powerful lightweight construction, weight reductions can be achieved with an aluminum-magnesium-scandium alloy. The rare earth element is also used as a doping agent in laser technology, for the production of ceramic materials and in mercury vapor lamps used to illuminate stadiums. Scandium plays an important role as a catalyst in the production of hydrogen chloride.