Samarium
Overview
Samarium is particularly known for its use in samarium-cobalt magnets, which maintain their magnetic properties at high temperatures. It's also used in nuclear applications and cancer treatments. The element's compounds find applications in optical lasers and infrared absorption glass.
Appearance
Silver-white metallic
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f⁶6s²
Density
7.52 g/cm³
Melting Point
1072°C
Discovery
Discovery Timeline
Primary Uses
- Permanent magnets
- Nuclear reactor control rods
- Cancer treatment
- Optical lasers
Application Sectors
Economic Value
Current Price
$30 per kg
Price Trend
Supply Risk
Primary Producers
Investing in Samarium
- Samarium oxide (99.9%) trades at US $30-35 /kg FOB China (≈ US $0.033 /g) as of May 2025.
- European spot prices reach US $40-45 /kg due to logistics and certification costs.
- Asian Metal's index shows stable pricing with moderate growth in magnet and nuclear applications.
- Small-lot investors face 35-45% premiums above bulk prices.
- Metal prices carry 30-35% premium over oxide due to processing requirements.
How to Get Exposure
| Route | Why It Appeals | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical metal/oxide | Direct exposure to high-temperature magnet market | Storage, handling requirements |
| Mining stocks | Operational leverage potential | Few pure-play options |
| ETFs | Broader rare earth exposure | Limited Sm-specific focus |
Market Outlook
- Samarium-cobalt magnets driving steady demand in high-temperature applications.
- Nuclear reactor control rod applications providing stable industrial demand.
- Cancer treatment applications expanding in medical sector.
- Optical laser applications creating specialized niche markets.
- Supply remains concentrated in China but less critical than heavy rare earths.
- Recycling rates improving but still below 15% of total supply.
- New mining projects in India and Brazil diversifying supply sources.
FAQs
Why invest in Samarium?
Samarium offers exposure to high-temperature permanent magnet technology, nuclear applications, and emerging medical treatments, with more stable pricing than other rare earths.
How volatile is the market?
Prices are relatively stable due to diverse applications and steady industrial demand, though still subject to Chinese export policy changes.
What drives Samarium demand?
High-temperature magnet applications, nuclear reactor components, medical treatments, and optical laser systems are the primary demand drivers.
How does Samarium compare to Neodymium for investment?
Samarium trades at lower prices with less volatility than neodymium, offering more stable exposure to magnet markets, especially high-temperature applications.
Disclaimer: Market data is indicative and updates frequently; nothing here constitutes financial advice.