Samarium
About Samarium
Samarium is a rare earth element best known for samarium-cobalt permanent magnets that operate reliably at temperatures too high for neodymium magnets. These magnets are preferred in military and aerospace applications where thermal stability is critical. Samarium-153 is also used in medicine for treating bone cancer pain through targeted radiation therapy.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Sm
- Atomic Number
- 62
- Category
- Rare Earth Element
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Samarium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Samarium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Samarium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Samarium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Samarium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Samarium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Samarium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Samarium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Samarium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Samarium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Samarium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Samarium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Samarium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.