Applications
Samarium is used as a catalyst in certain organic reactions: the Samarium Iodide
(SmI2) is used by organic research chemists to make synthetic versions of
natural products. The oxide, samaria, is used for making special infrared
adsorbing glass and cores of Carbon arc-lamp electrodes and as a catalyst for
the dehydration and deHydrogenation of ethanol. Its compound with Cobalt (SmCo5)
is used in making a new permanent magnet material.
Samarium in the environment
Samarium is the fifth most abundant of the rare elements and is almost four
times as common as tin. It is never found free in nature, but in contained in
many minerals, including monazite, bastnasite and samarskite. Samarium
containing ores are found in USA, China, Brazil, India, Australia and Sri Lanka.
World production of Samarium oxide is about 700 tonnes per year and world-wide
reserves are estimated to be around 2 million tonnes.
Health effects of Samarium
Samarium has no biological role, but it has been noted to stimulate metabolism.
Soluble Samarium salts are mildly toxic by ingestion and there are health
hazards associated with these because exposure to Samarium causes skin and eye
irritation.
Effects of Samarium on the environment
Samarium does not poses any threat to plants or animals.
