Samarium is a chemical element with the symbol Sm and atomic number 62. It belongs to the group of rare earth elements and is classified as a lanthanide. Samarium is a silvery-white metal that is relatively stable in air and is often used in various applications, including magnets, lasers, and nuclear reactors. This element was discovered in 1853 by the French chemist Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran. Samarium is known for its unique properties, such as its ability to absorb neutrons, making it valuable in nuclear technology. It is also used in the production of samarium-cobalt magnets, which are known for their strength and resistance to demagnetization.