Atomic Number 62 (Noun)
Meaning
A grey lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group; is used in special alloys; occurs in monazite and bastnasite.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Samarskite and fergusonite are other minerals containing samarium, but commercial supplies come from monazite sands and bastnäsite concentrates.
- The metal is used in special alloys, particularly in steels and iron, to make them stronger and shock-resistant.
- Today, the most important source of the element is the mineral bastnäsite.
- Following the addition of uranium to the periodic table, the atomic numbers of these other elements, including samarium, needed to be reassessed.
- The first oxide of samarium, Sm2O3, is formed by burning the metal in air.