Samarium

Samarium was discovered in 1853 by French chemist Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran. The element was named after the mineral samarskite, from which it was first isolated. Samarskite itself was named after the Russian mine engineer Vasily Samarsky-Bykhovets, who contributed to the identification of the mineral. Initially, samarium was obtained as an impure compound, but over time, advancements in extraction methods allowed for the production of purer samples. The unique properties of samarium garnered attention, fueling research and its eventual inclusion in various applications, especially in the fields of magnetism and optics.

Samarium is not found in its free form in nature but is primarily found in the minerals monazite and bastnäsite. Monazite is a rare earth phosphate mineral, while bastnäsite is a carbonate-fluoride mineral containing significant amounts of cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earth elements alongside samarium. The abundance of samarium in the Earth's crust is about 0.0007% by weight, making it relatively rare, but its compounds are mined commercially. Extraction of samarium typically involves the separation from other rare earth elements, leading to clean and efficient production processes to meet industrial demands.

Samarium does not play a known essential role in human biology and appears to have no biological significance for higher organisms. While trace amounts can be found in some biological systems, its function, if any, has not been established. However, the importance of samarium extends to its utilization in several advanced materials, notably in electronics and energy applications, which indirectly impact biological systems by enhancing technological applications.

Samarium is a silvery-white metal that has a density of approximately 7.52 grams per cubic centimeter and a melting point of 1072 °C. It belongs to the f-block of the periodic table and possesses characteristics typical of lanthanides, including being paramagnetic at room temperature and exhibiting a strong magnetic character at lower temperatures. Chemically, samarium reacts with water, forming samarium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, while it also reacts with halogens, leading to the creation of halides. Samarium has multiple oxidation states, with +3 being the most stable and common in its compounds, showcasing versatility in its chemical behavior.

Samarium is primarily employed in the production of samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets, which are known for their high strength and resistance to demagnetization, making them suitable for various applications, including in motors and magnetic sensors. Additionally, samarium is utilized in nuclear reactors for neutron capture and to manufacture catalytic converters due to its ability to act as a catalyst. Its compounds are also used in phosphors for color television and fluorescent lighting, as well as in laser materials. The unique properties of samarium have sparked interest in research for various innovative applications across technology and materials sciences.

• Samarium magnets are among the strongest permanent magnets available, often used in precision instruments and aerospace applications.
• Samarium is used in specialized lasers, particularly in the medical field for certain types of laser surgery.
• The element can absorb photons, leading to its use in research related to optics and photonics.
• Despite being classified as a rare earth element, samarium is more abundant in the Earth's crust than lead.