What is Samarium? Samarium is one of the most important rare earth elements used today. While not as widely known as neodymium or cerium, it plays a critical role in aerospace, defense, medical, and high-tech industries. Below are some quick facts:
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Property
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Details
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Atomic Number
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62 |
| Symbol | Sm |
| Element Group | Lanthanide (Light Rare Earth Element) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white, soft metal |
| Density | 7.52 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1074 °C |
| Abundance | More common than silver, found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite |
| Main Uses | Magnets, aerospace alloys, nuclear control rods, medical isotopes |
Samarium is a rare earth element with the atomic number 62 and the symbol Sm. It belongs to the lanthanide group, often referred to as light rare earth elements (LREEs). Although it is called "rare", samarium is actually more abundant than precious metals like gold and silver. This makes it accessible for industrial use when extracted properly.
In its pure form, samarium is a silvery-white metal that tarnishes slowly in air. It was first isolated in the late 19th century, and since then it has become a key element in modern technology. From magnetic materials in defense systems to isotopes used in cancer treatment, samarium has carved out a niche as a critical material for industries that require strength, stability, and precision.
Understanding samarium is not only about knowing its place on the periodic table, but also about recognizing its practical importance. This guide will answer key questions such as: what makes samarium unique, what is samarium used for, and why industries rely on it for innovation and sustainability.
Samarium has a blend of physical and chemical traits that make it versatile in scientific and industrial applications.
| Compound | Formula | Color/Appearance | Uses |
| Samarium Fluoride | SmF₃ | White crystalline powder | Optics, lasers |
| Samarium Chloride | SmCl₃ | Yellow-white solid | Research, catalysts |
| Samarium Sulfate | Sm₂(SO₄)₃ | Colorless crystals | Specialty chemical processes |
These properties make samarium suitable for demanding applications like aerospace magnets, nuclear control rods, and high-purity compounds.
Samarium stands out among rare earth elements due to its rare +2 oxidation state, a chemical trait that makes it valuable in specialized reactions. Most lanthanides display only the +3 state, but samarium's ability to stabilize in +2 opens new possibilities for chemical synthesis.
Samarium compounds in the +2 state, such as SmI₂ (samarium diiodide), are known for being strong reducing agents. This compound is widely used in organic chemistry for reactions that cannot be achieved with more common materials.
In addition, samarium displays paramagnetic properties at room temperature. This means it is weakly attracted to a magnetic field. At lower temperatures, it can show antiferromagnetic ordering. This is important for understanding how samarium behaves in magnetic alloys and devices.
This unusual set of behaviors allows samarium to bridge chemistry and physics, supporting applications that require both reactivity and magnetic stability.
One fascinating aspect of samarium is its crystal structure. Under normal conditions, it has a rhombohedral lattice structure. However, when subjected to changes in temperature or pressure, samarium undergoes phase transitions, shifting into different structural arrangements.
This property is important in the development of electronic materials. The way samarium rearranges its atoms under pressure or heat affects its conductivity, magnetism, and stability—making it useful in high-tech applications.
Samarium also undergoes magnetic transitions at low temperatures, shifting between paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic states. These transitions explain why samarium is so effective in magnets that must withstand extreme environments.
A simple way to think about this is: samarium adapts to conditions that would destabilize other materials, giving it a unique edge in aerospace alloys and advanced electronics.
Samarium has seven naturally occurring isotopes, each with unique applications in science, industry, or medicine.
| Isotope | Use | Importance |
| Sm-147 | Geological dating | Determines Earth's crust age |
| Sm-149 | Nuclear control rods | Regulates fission reactions |
| Sm-153 | Medical isotope | Cancer treatment and pain relief |
These isotopes make samarium a multifunctional element, relevant to both cutting-edge medicine and nuclear safety systems.
Samarium's versatility is best seen in its wide range of industrial applications.
These examples highlight what is samarium used for across industries. It ensures reliability where conditions are extreme, whether in space, inside the human body, or in the core of a nuclear reactor.
Samarium is frequently used in compounds and alloys that demand durability and resistance to heat.
Magnets made with samarium and cobalt are some of the strongest and most heat-resistant available today.
There are two main families:
| Property | Samarium-Cobalt | Neodymium |
| Maximum Temperature | Up to 350 °C | Up to 180 °C |
| Strength | Slightly lower than NdFeB | Very high |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Poor without coating |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
While neodymium magnets are stronger at room temperature, samarium-cobalt magnets outperform them in high-heat environments, making them indispensable in jet engines, spacecraft, and defense electronics.
Samarium is not found as a free metal in nature. Instead, it is present in rare earth minerals like monazite and bastnäsite.
The largest reserves are found in China, which dominates global production. Other important sources include the United States, Australia, and India. Extracting samarium involves separating it from other rare earth elements. This process can be challenging due to their similar chemical properties.
The refining process requires advanced technology to achieve the 99.9%+ purity levels necessary for aerospace and medical applications.
A global map of samarium deposits shows how supply is concentrated in just a few countries, which influences pricing and availability.
Like many rare earth elements, samarium requires careful handling.
For industries using high-purity materials, following safety protocols is essential to protect workers and ensure responsible usage.
The growing demand for rare earths, including samarium, raises concerns about environmental impact and economic dependence.
As green technologies expand, the importance of samarium in powering magnets, batteries, and sustainable systems will only increase.
AEM REE is a trusted supplier of high-purity samarium products. We support clients in aerospace, medical, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
By delivering not just products but solutions, AEM REE helps customers innovate in fields like quantum computing, medical devices, and aerospace alloys.
The future of samarium looks bright as technology evolves.
As industries shift toward cleaner and smarter technologies, samarium's role will only grow.
Samarium is more than just another entry on the periodic table. It is a critical element enabling advancements in aerospace, medicine, defense, and green energy. From its unusual chemical properties to its powerful magnets and medical isotopes, samarium demonstrates how rare earth elements are shaping the technologies of tomorrow.
If you're wondering what is samarium used for, the answer is simple: samarium is a key to modern innovation, ensuring performance where other materials fail.
For organizations seeking reliable, high-purity samarium tailored to their needs, AEM REE is the partner of choice.
Contact AEM REE today to learn how our samarium solutions can support your next breakthrough.
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