Samarium is a rare earth element that has a number of unique properties. It is a soft, silvery metal that is relatively stable in air and water, although it can react with oxygen at high temperatures. Samarium is used in a number of important applications, including in magnets, electronic devices, and nuclear reactors. It has a number of isotopes that are used in nuclear medicine, and it is also used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors. Due to its unique magnetic properties, samarium is also used in the manufacturing of high-strength permanent magnets.