64 Gd 157.25

Gadolinium

Lanthanide

Gadolinium (Gd) is a chemical element with atomic number 64, classified as a lanthanide. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.

Properties

Atomic number
64
Atomic mass
157.25 u
Category
Lanthanide
Group
0
Period
6
Block
f-block
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s²
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
7.895 g/cm³
Melting point
1585 K (1311.8 °C)
Boiling point
3546 K (3272.8 °C)
Electronegativity
1.2
Atomic radius
233 pm
Ionization energy
6.15 eV
Discovery
1880 · Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac

Common uses

MRI contrast agents, neutron capture, magnets, reactors

Did you know?

Essential for MRI scans and has unique magnetic properties.