Origin: The name comes from the Anglo-

Saxon name 'iren'.

Discovery: Egypt; Approximately 3500 BC

Properties & Characteristics: Solid; Shiny,

Grayish Metal that Rusts in Damp Air;
Transition Metals Group
Origin: The name is derived from samarskite, the
name of the mineral from which it was first isolated. Uses: It is used to manufacture steel and also
Discovery: Paul-Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran; used in civil engineering like reinforced
Paris; 1879 concrete, girders etc.
Iron is used to make alloy steels like carbon
Properties & Characteristics: Solid; Moderately
Hard Silvery Metal; Lanthanide 
Lanthanide Group steels with additives such as nickel,
chromium, vanadium, tungsten, and
Uses: Samarium-cobalt magnets are much more
manganese.
powerful than iron magnets. They remain magnetic
at high temperatures and so are used in microwave
These are used to make bridges, electricity
applications. They enabled the miniaturisation of pylons, bicycle chains, cutting tools and rifle
electronic devices like headphones, and the barrels.
development of personal stereos. However, Cast iron contains 3–5% carbon. It is used
neodymium magnets are now more commonly used for pipes, valves, and pumps.
instead.
Iron catalysts are used in the Haber
Samarium is used to dope calcium chloride crystals
for use in optical lasers. It is also used in infrared
process for producing ammonia.
absorbing glass and as a neutron absorber in nuclear Magnets can be made of this metal and its
reactors. Samarium oxide finds specialized use in alloys and compounds.
glass and ceramics. In common with other
lanthanides, samarium is used in carbon arc lighting
for studio lighting and projection. (Royal Society of
Chemistry, n.d.)