Samarium

History
Samarium was discovered in 1847 by German chemist Heinrich Rose. Metal was named in honor of Russian mining engineer, Colonel V.E. Samarkii-Byhovets providing samples for the research scientist. As a consequence, existence of metal was confirmed by spectral analysis. Samarium metal was obtained in the early 20th century.

Nowadays

One of the most important applications of samarium is in atomic energy. A large section of the capture of thermal neutrons, allows the use of metal in the management of the reactor. Rather widely used samarium-cobalt magnets, although they are being squeezed by neodymium magnets. Oxide of samarium good refractory material. Samarium is also used in the manufacture of glass, absorbing infrared radiation.