Discovered in: 1879

Discovered by: Paul Lecoq de Boisbaudran of France

Description: Named after the mineral samarskite (which itself is named after a Russian mining official), samarium is a silvery-white lanthanide metal. It is stable in dry air, but reacts with moist air, water and acids. Samarium alloyed with cobalt makes powerful permanent magnets, which have the highest known resistance to demagnetization. Samarium is used in alcohol reagents, lasers, and in the tinting of special infrared absorbing glass. It also is used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors, infrared equipment, headphones and miniature speakers, catalysts, ceramics, carbon arc lamps, and electronics.

Biological Rating: No known benefits to life processes in plants and animals.

Biological Benefits: Samarium has no known biological use. It does stimulate the metabolism.

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: Near 0 %

Obtained from: Samarium is chiefly obtained from monazite, where it occurs as an impurity. It is mined in the USA, china, Russia, Australia, and India.