Gadolinium is a strongly magnetic lanthanide used in neutron control, phosphors, and carefully formulated medical contrast agents.
Atomic number
64
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
f-block
State
Solid
Fun facts about Gadolinium
It has a very high capacity to absorb thermal neutrons.
Its magnetic behaviour changes near room temperature.
Free gadolinium ions are toxic, so medical agents bind them in stable chelates.
Common uses of Gadolinium
MRI contrast agents
Neutron shielding and detection
Phosphors
Where Gadolinium sits in the periodic table
Gadolinium belongs to the lanthanide series in period 6 and the f-block of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Gd with atomic number 64 and the listed atomic mass 157.25. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.