Like neodymium, samarium is a metal whose main use is in the making of specialty magnets. Also like neodymium, it is vulnerable to air (although to a lesser degree). When freshly cut it looks steel gray but darkens to almost black in the presence of oxygen. It does, however, at least retain its metallic luster indefinitely so long as the humidity level is not too high.

Samarium is the third most abundant of the rare earths after lanthanum and cerium - which is to say rather plentiful. However, at present it is only refined in China and, given the dramatic increase in electric vehicles, the demand for this metal is to put a significant strain on supply unless new refineries come online. Its spot price, therefore, is expected to go up over the coming years.

Measures 15x8x1.19mm