Gadolinium (Gd)
Lanthanide · f-block · period 6
Silvery-white, malleable, ductile metal.
Gadolinium (symbol Gd) is chemical element number 64, a lanthanide in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 157.25 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Has the highest neutron-capture cross-section of any stable element.
Properties
| Atomic number | 64 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 157.25 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Block | f-block |
| Group · Period | f-block series · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 25, 9, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1585 K |
| Boiling point | 3273 K |
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.2 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1880 · Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac |
Key facts about Gadolinium
- Has the highest neutron-capture cross-section of any stable element.
- Magnetic near room temperature, and it heats up in a magnetic field — the basis of magnetic refrigeration.
- Gadolinium injections make blood vessels and tumours glow brightly in MRI scans.
- Named after the chemist Johan Gadolin.
What Gadolinium is used for
MRI contrast agents, nuclear reactor shielding, magnetic cooling research, green phosphors, data storage.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Gadolinium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, of the f-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Gadolinium on the interactive table →
Gadolinium — frequently asked questions
What is Gadolinium used for?
MRI contrast agents, nuclear reactor shielding, magnetic cooling research, green phosphors, data storage.
Is Gadolinium radioactive?
No. Gadolinium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Gadolinium?
Gadolinium has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 25, 9, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Gadolinium in?
Gadolinium is in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6, in the f-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Gadolinium?
Gadolinium was discovered in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.