Atomic / phase data
Reference atomic and phase values are source-reviewed.
Material structure
The ordinary elemental structure is measured/reviewed; the viewer is a teaching representation.
Element vs material uses
Uses distinguish elemental metal from compounds, alloys, doped hosts or isotope-specific systems.
Geography
Discovery/supply context is selective and does not fabricate deposits, facilities or inventories.
The lens describes evidence status, not confidence theatre. “Unknown” is kept unknown, and teaching schematics are not presented as direct measurements.
Samarium (Sm)
Samarium is element 62, a lanthanide whose 4f⁶ configuration connects the periodic table to Sm-Co permanent magnets, neutron-absorbing materials, optical compounds and isotope geochronology.
Samarium atomic number, mass, electron configuration and key properties
Samarium: quick answers
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does samarium have?
Samarium’s atomic number is 62, so every samarium atom has 62 protons, and a neutral atom also has 62 electrons. Its most common natural isotope, samarium-152, has 90 neutrons (other isotopes have different neutron counts).
What is the symbol for samarium?
The chemical symbol for samarium is Sm.
Is samarium a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature?
Samarium is a solid at room temperature (about 25 °C).
What family (group) is samarium in?
Samarium is a lanthanide, in period 6 (the f-block row shown below the main table) of the periodic table.
What is the electron configuration of samarium?
The ground-state electron configuration of samarium is [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s².
From atomic number to chemistry
Read these as a chain of causes, not as isolated facts. Each step links to the concept hub if you want the underlying idea explained.
62 protons define samarium.
The ground-state configuration frames atomic and chemical behavior.
Periodic position organizes recurring chemistry and trends.
The teaching nucleus is one isotope, not the relative atomic mass.
Phase claims preserve source-reviewed evidence and material context.
Samarium in its period and family
Samarium lies near the middle of the lanthanide series. The [Xe]4f⁶6s² atom commonly forms Sm³⁺, while Sm²⁺ is accessible in selected compounds.
Samarium Visual Lab
Explore Sm across the teaching nucleus, isolated-atom orbitals, evidence-aware material structure and temperature/evidence views, then connect those models to uses, isotopes, search-led questions and source-backed context.
Every mark points to one exact feature
The numbered markers explain the same information system used throughout Element Lookup. Unknown or predicted fields remain visibly labelled rather than being replaced with guesses.
Samarium in one minute
Atomic number 62 means every samarium nucleus has 62 protons.
Neutral Samarium has the ground-state configuration [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s².
The representative teaching isotope is ¹⁵²Sm.
Samarium-cobalt magnets are intermetallic materials, not pieces of elemental samarium.
The ordinary material reference is Sm-type rhombohedral structure.
Shell rings organize electron counts. They are not electron trajectories or orbital shapes.
2 · 8 · 18 · 24 · 8 · 2 electrons
The displayed 4f_xyz orbital is one representative real f cubic harmonic. It is not a picture of the whole 4f subshell or the electronic bands in the bulk material.
Samarium has its namesake Sm-type rhombohedral structure at ordinary temperature. The viewer uses a simplified rhombohedral teaching motif rather than pretending to reproduce the full crystallographic basis.. The viewer is evidence-aware: measured structures are identified as such; unknown bulk structures stay unknown.
Teaching visualization; not a literal finite sample or thermal trajectory.What this model does—and does not—show
The displayed 4f_xyz orbital is one representative real f cubic harmonic. It is not a picture of the whole 4f subshell or the electronic bands in the bulk material.
Where do I meet samarium?
Clickable learning cards connect the element to materials, environment, technology, biology or research - depending on what the evidence actually supports.
Sm-Co magnets
Samarium-cobalt intermetallic magnets offer strong permanent magnetism with good high-temperature performance.
4f⁶ → Sm³⁺ → Sm-Co permanent magnets
Samarium-cobalt magnets derive their performance from ordered Sm-Co intermetallic phases, not elemental samarium alone. Natural samarium also contains both stable and extremely long-lived radioactive isotopes.
4f⁶6s²
One electron short of half-filled 4f⁷.
Samarium in periodic context
Compare nearby or family-related elements without treating a trend as a substitute for element-specific evidence.
| Atomic number | 61 |
|---|---|
| Series | lanthanide |
| Atomic number | 62 |
|---|---|
| Series | lanthanide |
| Atomic number | 63 |
|---|---|
| Series | lanthanide |
Samarium properties: atomic, physical, thermal and chemical
Categories follow the science of this element rather than a fixed decorative template. Each row carries condition/provenance context and an evidence label; unknown values stay unknown.
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | 62 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Relative atomic mass | 150.36 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Ground-state electron configuration | [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s² | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Group / period / block | Group Lanthanide · Period 6 · f-block | Periodic-table placement | Evaluated |
| Electronegativity | 1.17 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Reference isotope | ¹⁵²Sm | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| State context | Silvery-white lanthanide metal | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Density | 7.52 g/cm³ | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Material / molecular structure | Sm-type rhombohedral structure | Samarium has its namesake Sm-type rhombohedral structure at ordinary temperature. The viewer uses a simplified rhombohedral teaching motif rather than pretending to reproduce the full crystallographic basis. | Measured |
| Classification | Lanthanide | Periodic-table / chemistry classification | Evaluated |
| Structure-model scope | Samarium has its namesake Sm-type rhombohedral structure at ordinary temperature. The viewer uses a simplified rhombohedral teaching motif rather than pretending to reproduce the full crystallographic basis. | Teaching visualization; exact crystallographic coordinates are not implied unless stated. | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting / transition reference | 1345 K | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Boiling / gas reference | 2067 K | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Phase-path context | At approximately standard pressure, samarium is treated as a solid below 1345 K, liquid between melting and approximately 2067 K, and gas above the boiling reference. The ordinary crystal label applies to the stated material reference; unmodeled solid allotropy is not fabricated. | Shared phase registry drives the slider, regions and markers. | Evaluated |
| Condition warning | Temperature and pressure define phase behavior; purity/allotropy may matter. | Teaching condition statement | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common oxidation states | +3, +2 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Ion / common ion context | Sm³⁺ | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Periodic chemistry context | Samarium lies near the middle of the lanthanide series. The [Xe]4f⁶6s² atom commonly forms Sm³⁺, while Sm²⁺ is accessible in selected compounds. | Element-specific interpretation | Reviewed |
| Chemistry caution | Elemental form, ions and compounds are distinct chemical objects. | Interpretive teaching rule | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¹⁵²Sm | Most abundant natural isotope | Stable reference isotope used for the teaching nucleus. | Evaluated |
| ¹⁴⁷Sm | Long-lived natural radioisotope | Used in Sm-Nd geochronology because of its very long alpha-decay timescale. | Evaluated |
| Natural samarium | Mixed isotope set | Includes stable and extremely long-lived radioactive isotopes. | Evaluated |
| Teaching nucleus | ¹⁵²Sm · 62 protons + 90 neutrons | Reference isotope used in the nucleus model | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page evidence note | Atomic identity and reference values are source-reviewed. Material viewers are teaching representations, not crystallographic refinements. Search demand shapes headings and FAQs but never overrides measured/evaluated evidence or element-versus-compound distinctions. | Evidence summary for this guide | Reviewed |
| Structure evidence | Samarium has its namesake Sm-type rhombohedral structure at ordinary temperature. The viewer uses a simplified rhombohedral teaching motif rather than pretending to reproduce the full crystallographic basis. | Measured structure, labelled schematic, prediction or explicit unknown as applicable. | Reviewed |
| Map evidence rule | Real pins are reviewed examples; conceptual layers are used when pins would mislead. | Geography Explorer 2.0 | Reviewed |
| Source set | 3 primary/reference links listed below | Open the Sources section for the actual references. | Reviewed |
Is Samarium a solid, liquid or gas? State at temperature
At approximately standard pressure, samarium is treated as a solid below 1345 K, liquid between melting and approximately 2067 K, and gas above the boiling reference. The ordinary crystal label applies to the stated material reference; unmodeled solid allotropy is not fabricated.
Where on Earth is Samarium found or produced?
Who discovered Samarium, and when?
Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran identified samarium spectroscopically from material related to samarskite.
Rare-earth separation and spectroscopy established samarium as distinct from neighboring lanthanides.
Sm-Co intermetallics became important permanent-magnet materials.
Samarium remains a specialized magnet, neutron and optical material element.
From source material to Samarium applications: high-level material path
Samarium is obtained from mineral or metallurgical feedstocks in which it is chemically associated with other elements rather than mined as abundant native metal.
Industrial separation and refining produce element-specific compounds or metal feedstock; this guide does not provide operational extraction recipes.
The refined material is converted into the particular alloy, compound, doped host or component required by the application.
Recycling and recovery depend on the host product, concentration and economics; application materials must not be confused with pure element.
What is samarium used for?
Sm-Co magnets
Samarium-cobalt magnets combine high magnetic performance with useful high-temperature stability.
Neutron absorbers
High neutron-capture isotopes make samarium useful in selected nuclear-material contexts.
Optics
Samarium-doped glasses and crystals provide characteristic optical transitions.
Research chemistry
Sm compounds such as Sm(II) reagents are important in specialized chemical synthesis and research.
Samarium isotopes and natural abundance
¹⁵²Sm
Most abundant natural isotopeStable reference isotope used for the teaching nucleus.
¹⁴⁷Sm
Long-lived natural radioisotopeUsed in Sm-Nd geochronology because of its very long alpha-decay timescale.
Natural samarium
Mixed isotope setIncludes stable and extremely long-lived radioactive isotopes.
Five-question Samarium check
What is Samarium’s atomic number?
Which classification best fits Samarium?
What is the representative teaching isotope?
Which statement respects the material evidence?
Which rule should guide real-world uses?
Samarium questions students commonly ask
Each answer starts with the direct fact, then explains the chemistry, evidence or material context so the result is understandable rather than merely memorized.
What is samarium?
Short answer: Samarium is chemical element 62, symbol Sm, a silvery lanthanide metal.
Atomic number 62 means every samarium nucleus contains 62 protons. In the periodic table, Samarium is classified here as a lanthanide in Period 6 and Group Lanthanide. Samarium lies near the middle of the lanthanide series. The [Xe]4f⁶6s² atom commonly forms Sm³⁺, while Sm²⁺ is accessible in selected compounds.
Key point: Sm is element 62; its periodic position and electron structure explain the rest of the page.
What is samarium used for?
Short answer: Major uses include samarium-cobalt magnets, neutron-absorbing materials, optical materials and specialized chemistry.
Sm-Co magnets: Samarium-cobalt magnets combine high magnetic performance with useful high-temperature stability. Neutron absorbers: High neutron-capture isotopes make samarium useful in selected nuclear-material contexts. Samarium-cobalt magnets are intermetallic materials, not pieces of elemental samarium. Natural samarium also contains both stable and extremely long-lived radioactive isotopes, so “is samarium radioactive?” needs an isotope-specific answer.
Key point: Always distinguish the pure element from the compound, alloy, isotope or device material that actually performs the application.
Where is samarium found?
Short answer: It occurs with other lanthanides in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is separated during rare-earth processing.
Samarium is obtained from mineral or metallurgical feedstocks in which it is chemically associated with other elements rather than mined as abundant native metal. Late 19th century Rare-earth separation and spectroscopy established samarium as distinct from neighboring lanthanides.
Key point: Natural occurrence, resources, production and recycling are different geography questions.
Who discovered samarium?
Short answer: Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran identified samarium in 1879.
In 1879, Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran identified samarium spectroscopically from material related to samarskite. In the late 19th century, Rare-earth separation and spectroscopy established samarium as distinct from neighboring lanthanides.
Key point: Discovery credit follows the historical evidence and accepted attribution, not just the earliest claim.
Is samarium a metal?
Short answer: Yes. It is a lanthanide metal.
This guide classifies Samarium as a lanthanide. Its periodic position is Period 6, f-block, Group Lanthanide. Samarium lies near the middle of the lanthanide series. The [Xe]4f⁶6s² atom commonly forms Sm³⁺, while Sm²⁺ is accessible in selected compounds.
Key point: Periodic-table classification describes recurring atomic/chemical behavior; it does not make every element in a column physically identical.
Is samarium radioactive?
Short answer: Natural samarium contains both stable isotopes and extremely long-lived radioactive isotopes such as ¹⁴⁷Sm.
¹⁵²Sm: Most abundant natural isotope: Stable reference isotope used for the teaching nucleus. ¹⁴⁷Sm: Long-lived natural radioisotope: Used in Sm-Nd geochronology because of its very long alpha-decay timescale.
Key point: Radioactivity is isotope-specific; do not apply one isotope’s nuclear behavior to every atom of the element.
What are samarium-cobalt magnets?
Short answer: They are intermetallic Sm-Co magnet materials; their properties belong to the compound/alloy phases, not pure Sm metal alone.
Samarium-cobalt magnets are intermetallic materials, not pieces of elemental samarium. Samarium-cobalt magnets are intermetallic materials, not pieces of elemental samarium. Natural samarium also contains both stable and extremely long-lived radioactive isotopes, so “is samarium radioactive?” needs an isotope-specific answer.
Key point: The mechanism matters: connect the observed behavior to electron structure, bonding, phase or the specific material form rather than memorizing the result alone.
How many electrons does samarium have?
Short answer: A neutral samarium atom has 62 electrons with ground-state configuration [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s².
A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons, so neutral Samarium has 62 electrons. Its ground-state reference configuration is [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s²; ions have different electron counts because electrons have been removed or added.
Key point: Electron count changes in ions; proton count does not.
Scientific sources for Samarium
- Royal Society of Chemistry - Samarium
- NIST - Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions
- IUPAC - Periodic Table of Elements
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