The Samarium is one of the chemical materials located between the group of lanthanides, these are classified as rare earth because in are in the form of oxides, these solids are characterized by having a silver color or pale yellow where It dissolves very quickly in the presence of acids and is somewhat stable in the presence of air. This metal is found in the environment in conjugation with other minerals, it is not totally free in the environment. The atomic number of samarium is 62, its atomic mass is approximately 150 and it is represented by the symbol Sm.
Like other lanthanides, samarium is used in lighting elements in the cinematographic field, being used in reflector bulbs, in the same way when it is in conjugation with cobalt, forming SmCo2, it works with a powerful magnet with a high capacity of magnetization, being the most difficult to demagnetize in the world.
Other uses may be for the manufacture of nuclear reactors, these will absorb neutrons from different chemical elements, this methodology will be used for the manufacture of glass as assimilators of infrared lights, especially when it is in the oxide stage, and for dehydrogenation (expulsion of hydrogen) of ethyl alcohol for the production of alcoholic beverages; Furthermore, this chemical, due to its characteristics and environmental behavior, is used in the development of the construction of different lasers and masers.
Recently it has been discovered that it has a high power as a topological insulator, an important property for the manufacture of quantum transistors; It can also be used for the manufacture of ceramic pieces and acts as an accelerator or catalyst for organic reactions. Like most lanthanides, samarium can be found in household appliances such as televisions, and if it is exposed for a long time in constant inhalation it causes respiratory disorders, it is also hepatotoxic (causes liver damage) and nephrotoxic (causes damage to the kidney) when this chemical is accumulated in the human body. This chemical causes an environmental impactespecially contaminating the soil and water, giving a deadly effect against the fauna of both environments.
