Samarium

 

 

Name Samarium
Symbol Sm
Atomic Number 62
Atomic Mass 150.36 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 62
Number of Neutrons 88
Number of Electrons 62
Melting Point 1072.0° C
Boiling Point 1900.0° C
Density 7.54 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Rare Earth Metals
Period 6
Cost $7500 per kilogram

 

 

Origin of Name From smarskite, a mineral
Date and Place of Discovery In 1879 in Paris, France
Discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • It is believed to stimulate metabolism, but it is not essential to the health of the human body.
  • It was observed spectroscopically by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac in dydimia in 1853.
  • Today it is created through an ion exchange from monazite sand which contains many rare earth elements. Monazite sand can contain as much as 2.8% of samarium.
Common Uses
  • Motion picture industry (carbon lights)
  • Optical masers or lasers
  • Nuclear reactors
  • Permanent magnets
  • Chemical reagent in organic synthesis
  • Optical glass that absorbs infrared light
  • Sensitizers for phosphors
  • Ethanol catalyst
  • Treatment of pain due to cancers of the bone (Quadramet)

 

Photo Courtesy of About.com
Chemical Elements
Jefferson Lab
Los Alamos National Labs
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