Samarium is a rare earth element with the atomic number 62. It is a silvery-white metal that is relatively soft and ductile.
Samarium is found in various mineral deposits, including monazite and bastnasite, which are the primary commercial sources of rare earth elements. The mining of these minerals involves the separation of samarium from other rare earth elements and the refining of the material to produce pure samarium.
In terms of uses, samarium has a range of applications, including permanent magnets, catalysts, and nuclear reactors. Permanent magnets made from samarium-cobalt are used in a variety of applications, including motors, generators, and sensors. Samarium is also used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, including the production of high-octane gasoline and the production of pharmaceuticals. In nuclear reactors, samarium is used as a control rod material due to its ability to absorb and control the release of radioactive particles.
In terms of physical properties, samarium is a silvery-white metal that is relatively soft and ductile. It is highly magnetic and has a high thermal stability, making it ideal for use in permanent magnets. Samarium is also relatively unreactive and resistant to corrosion, making it useful in various industrial applications.
In conclusion, samarium is a rare earth element with a range of uses, including permanent magnets, catalysts, and nuclear reactors. It is found in mineral deposits and must be mined and refined to produce pure samarium. Its physical properties include a silvery-white appearance, high magnetic properties, and high thermal stability.