Samarium (Sm): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Samarium is a rare earth used in samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets, which keep their strength at high temperatures and resist corrosion. Samarium-cobalt magnets are important in defense and aerospace systems, and China added samarium to its export licensing list in April 2025.
| Symbol | Sm |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 62 |
| Group | Light rare earth (LREE) |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | Samarium-cobalt magnets; Nuclear applications; Medicine |
| Main sources | Bastnaesite and monazite ores, co-produced with other rare earths |
| China export status | Export licence required (since April 2025) |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Samarium Price
There is no public benchmark for samarium. Export licensing has widened the gap between Chinese and non-Chinese prices.
For the rare earths that do have public price series, see the rare earth price charts, and how rare earth pricing works for why most rare earths have no transparent benchmark.
What Is Samarium Used For?
- Samarium-cobalt magnets. SmCo magnets work at higher temperatures than NdFeB magnets and are used in guided munitions, aircraft, satellites and precision motors.
- Nuclear applications. Samarium absorbs neutrons and is used in some reactor control materials.
- Medicine. Samarium-153 is used in a radiopharmaceutical that relieves bone cancer pain.
Where Does Samarium Come From?
Samarium is co-produced with other rare earths and has been separated mainly in China. Lynas began producing samarium oxide at its Malaysian plant in 2026, one of the first commercial sources outside China.
China export controls on samarium
China has required an export licence for this element since April 2025, alongside samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. Licences are granted case by case, which has caused delays and price gaps between China and other markets.
How to Invest in Samarium
Samarium exposure comes through separators that can produce it, with Lynas the main listed producer outside China. Defense demand gives samarium strategic value beyond its small market size.
| Company | Listing | Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynas Rare Earths | ASX: LYC | Producer | Producing separated dysprosium and terbium in Malaysia since 2025 |
Compare these companies in the rare earth stock watchlist, or see the rare earth ETF comparison for diversified exposure.
Samarium Investment Risks
- A small market means new supply or a single large buyer can move prices sharply.
- Defense procurement budgets and stockpiling decisions drive much of the demand.
- Cobalt price and supply risk also affect samarium-cobalt magnet economics.
Samarium FAQ
What is samarium used for?
Samarium is used mainly in samarium-cobalt magnets for defense and aerospace systems. It also has uses in nuclear reactor control and in a bone cancer pain medicine.
What is the difference between SmCo and NdFeB magnets?
SmCo magnets are less powerful than NdFeB magnets at room temperature but keep their strength at higher temperatures and resist corrosion. That makes SmCo magnets the choice for many military and aerospace uses.
Who produces samarium outside China?
Lynas Rare Earths began producing samarium oxide in Malaysia in 2026. Before that, almost all separated samarium came from China.
Other Light rare earth (LREE) Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.