Samarskite is common enough and locally abundant enough that it has potential to be a valuable resource for its rare earth metals. But it is its gemstone use that is what is odd about this mineral. As mineral specimens, samarskite can be a nice addition to one's collection. Good crystals are rare, but prized when found. Although the color is usually just a velvety black the luster is generally high and striking.
Color is dark pithchy to velvety black to dark brown.
Luster is vitreous to resinous and fresh surfaces can have a submetallic luster. Crystals are nearly opaque. Cleavage is poor in one direction. Fracture is conchoidal. Extreme variation caused by variable composition of component metals.