Samarskite is found in rare earth rich granite pegmatites, a slow cooling igneous intrusive rock. Samarskite is associated with quartz , feldspars , columbite , tantalite and other rare earth minerals. 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.