Gadolinium
GAD-eh-LIN-i-em
Gadolinium (Gd) is a silvery-white coloured metal that has the atomic number 64 in the periodic table. It is a Lanthanide metal. It has the symbol Gd.
Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that was discovered in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marginac who identified spectroscopic lines in an oxide mixture from the mineral samarskite. Pure Gadolinium was fist prepared by Felix Trombe in 1935 who discovered its ferromagnetic properties. Gadolinium is used in alloys of iron and chromium due to its high resistance and is used to in microwave applications. Due to its magnetic properties it is also used in MRI applications. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 1312°c and a boiling point of 3273°c.
FAQ's
Jean de Marignac
1880
Uses
Used in steel alloying agents and the manufacture of electronic components.
Sources
Found with other rare earths in gadolinite and monazite sand.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Gd
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