gadolinitelike

Gadolinium is a chemical element with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a silvery-white, malleable, and ductile rare-earth metal. Gadolinium is found in nature in combination with other elements, primarily in the minerals monazite and bastnäsite. It was discovered in 1880 by the Swedish chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac, who isolated it from the mineral gadolinite, which had been named after the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin.

Gadolinium has several unique properties that make it useful in various applications. It is paramagnetic at room temperature, meaning it is attracted to a magnetic field, but it does not retain its magnetism after the field is removed. This property is exploited in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, where gadolinium-based compounds enhance the visibility of certain tissues in the body.

Gadolinium also has a high thermal neutron capture cross-section, making it useful in nuclear reactors as a burnable poison. It can absorb excess neutrons, which helps to control the reactor's power output. Additionally, gadolinium alloys are used in the production of high-strength magnets and in the aerospace industry for their resistance to corrosion and high-temperature stability.

Despite its useful properties, gadolinium and its compounds can be toxic. Gadolinium salts can cause kidney damage and neurological symptoms if ingested or inhaled. Therefore, proper handling and disposal procedures are essential when working with gadolinium-based materials.