Sm3Ge5 crystallizes in the hexagonal P-62c space group. Sm(1) is bonded in a 10-coordinate geometry to two equivalent Ge(2), two equivalent Ge(3), and six equivalent Ge(1) atoms. There are three inequivalent Ge sites. In the first Ge site, Ge(2) is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to six equivalent Sm(1) and three equivalent Ge(1) atoms. In the second Ge site, Ge(3) is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to six equivalent Sm(1) and three equivalent Ge(1) atoms. In the third Ge site, Ge(1) is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to six equivalent Sm(1), one Ge(2), and one Ge(3) atom.
Sm3Ge5 crystallizes in the hexagonal P-62c space group. Sm(1) is bonded in a 10-coordinate geometry to two equivalent Ge(2), two equivalent Ge(3), and six equivalent Ge(1) atoms. Both Sm(1)-Ge(2) bond lengths are 3.15 Å. Both Sm(1)-Ge(3) bond lengths are 3.16 Å. There are a spread of Sm(1)-Ge(1) bond distances ranging from 3.01-3.46 Å. There are three inequivalent Ge sites. In the first Ge site, Ge(2) is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to six equivalent Sm(1) and three equivalent Ge(1) atoms. All Ge(2)-Ge(1) bond lengths are 2.54 Å. In the second Ge site, Ge(3) is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to six equivalent Sm(1) and three equivalent Ge(1) atoms. All Ge(3)-Ge(1) bond lengths are 2.57 Å. In the third Ge site, Ge(1) is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to six equivalent Sm(1), one Ge(2), and one Ge(3) atom.