Entity: SAMARIUM
Samarium is a silvery-white lustrous metallic element of the rare-earth group that is used in special alloys and permanent magnets.
SAMARIUM
Etymology
The name 'samarium' is derived from the mineral samarskite, where the element was first discovered.
Definition
Samarium is a chemical element with the symbol Sm and atomic number 62. It is a silvery-white lustrous metallic element of the rare-earth group that is used in special alloys and permanent magnets.
Historical Context
Samarium was discovered in 1879 by French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran. It is commonly found in minerals such as monazite and bastnasite.
Cultural Significance
Samarium is used in various applications, including nuclear reactors, lasers, and as a catalyst in organic chemistry.
Related Concepts
Samarium is part of the lanthanide series and typically has an oxidation state of +3. Compounds of samarium(II) are also known.
See Also
A chemical element with the symbol Sm and atomic number 62, samarium is a moderately hard silvery metal that slowly oxidizes in air. It is commonly found in monazite and bastnasite.