Samarium is primarily used in the production of powerful samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets. These magnets are highly resistant to demagnetization and can operate at high temperatures, making them ideal for use in motors, generators, sensors, and aerospace applications. They are especially valuable in situations where stability under extreme conditions is required.

In addition, samarium is used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors, helping to control the fission process. It is also employed in cancer treatment through samarium-153, a radioactive isotope used in radiopharmaceuticals to relieve pain from bone cancer. This isotope targets cancerous bone tissue and delivers localized radiation.

Samarium compounds are used in some types of lasers and in optical filters. It also finds use in catalysis, particularly in organic synthesis and dehydration reactions. Overall, samarium plays a key role in high-tech industrial, medical, and energy applications.