Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Gd |
| Atomic Number | 64 |
| Atomic Mass | 157.25 u |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Period | 6 |
| Group | 3 |
| Block | f |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s² |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1312°C (1585 K) |
| Boiling Point | 3273°C (3546 K) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metal |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac Year of Discovery: 1880 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Etymology
Named after Johan Gadolin, the Finnish chemist who discovered yttrium.
Applications and Uses
- MRI contrast agents (gadolinium compounds)
- Neutron capture therapy for cancer
- Nuclear reactor shielding
- Magnetic refrigeration
- High-temperature applications
Safety Concerns
Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents have been linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with kidney problems.
Interesting Facts
- Gadolinium has the highest thermal neutron capture cross-section of any element
- Used in over 30 million MRI scans annually
- Has unusual magnetic properties—ferromagnetic at room temperature
- Critical for magnetic refrigeration technology
- Named after the father of rare earth chemistry