🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Gadolinium
• Discovered By: Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac
• Year of Discovery: 1880
• Category: Lanthanide (Rare Earth Metal)
• Group: f-block
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (silvery-white metal) ⚙️

Gadolinium is one of the rare earth metals and is known for its special magnetic properties.

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Gd
• Atomic Number: 64
• Atomic Mass: ~157.25 u
• Valency: +3
• Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s²

Gadolinium is relatively reactive, especially when heated, and it forms oxides on exposure to air.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Gadolinium has the unusual property of being strongly magnetic at room temperature — making it important in technology and medicine.

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Gadolinium is named after the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin. 🇫🇮
• It is one of the few elements that becomes ferromagnetic at room temperature (like iron). 🧲
• When cooled below -269°C, it loses its magnetism (a property called the Curie temperature). ❄️
• Gadolinium compounds glow green when exposed to UV light! ✨
• It’s used in MRI scans as a contrast agent to improve imaging. 🏥

🔧 Common Uses

• MRI Contrast Agent: Gadolinium-based compounds help doctors see clear images inside the body. 🏥🔬
• Magnets: Used in special magnetic alloys and electronic devices. 🧲
• Nuclear Reactors: Acts as a neutron absorber to control nuclear reactions. ☢️
• Phosphors and Lighting: Gadolinium compounds add brightness and color to TV screens and fluorescent lights. 💡
• Research: Used in various scientific experiments thanks to its unique magnetic and optical properties.

📚 Conclusion

Gadolinium is a rare and magnetic metal that plays a vital role in modern medicine and technology. For students, it’s a perfect example of how elements can be useful in saving lives and advancing science! 🧲🩺