Origin: The name is derived from
samarskite, the name of the mineral from
which it was first isolated.
Origin: The name comes from the
Anglo-Saxon name 'iren'.
Discovery: Paul-Emile Lecoq de
Boisbaudran; Paris; 1879
Discovery: Egypt; Approximately
3500 BC
Properties & Characteristics: Solid;
Moderately Hard Silvery Metal;
Lanthanide Group
Properties & Characteristics: Solid;
Shiny, Grayish Metal that Rusts in
Damp Air; Transition Metals Group
Uses: Samarium-cobalt magnets are much
more powerful than iron magnets. They
remain magnetic at high temperatures
and so are used in microwave
applications. They enabled the
miniaturisation of electronic devices like
headphones, and the development of
personal stereos. However, neodymium
magnets are now more commonly used
instead.
Samarium is used to dope calcium chloride
crystals for use in optical lasers. It is also
used in infrared absorbing glass and as a
neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
Samarium oxide finds specialized use in
glass and ceramics. In common with other
lanthanides, samarium is used in carbon
arc lighting for studio lighting and
projection. (Royal Society of Chemistry,
n.d.)
Uses: It is used to manufacture steel
and also used in civil engineering like
reinforced concrete, girders etc.
Iron is used to make alloy steels like
carbon steels with additives such as
nickel, chromium, vanadium,
tungsten, and manganese.
These are used to make bridges,
electricity pylons, bicycle chains,
cutting tools and rifle barrels.
Cast iron contains 3–5% carbon. It is
used for pipes, valves, and pumps.
Iron catalysts are used in the Haber
process for producing ammonia.
Magnets can be made of this metal
and its alloys and compounds.