Gadolinium

Gadolinium, Gd, is a soft silvery metallic element, which is found in the lanthanide series of inner transition metals in Group IIIa of the periodic table.

Atomic Number : 64
Relative Atomic Mass : 157.25
Melting Point : 1312 degC
Boiling Point : 3273 degC
Relative Density : 7.901 There are seven stable natural isotopes and eleven artificial isotopes are known.

Discovery

Gadolinium was discovered by J.C.G. Marignac in 1880AD.
Gadolinium was isolated by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1886AD.

Occurrence

Gadolinium occurs with the other rare earths and in Gadolinite.

Extraction

Gadolinium is separated from other rare earths by ion exchange chromatography.

Preparation

Gadolinium is prepared by reducing the anhydrous chloride with calcium.

Manufacture

Properties

Gadolinium is silvery-white, lustrous metal.
Gadolinium has seventeen isotopes.
Gadolinium reacts slowly with water.
Gadolinium is attacked by dilute acids.

Reactions

Uses

Gadolinium is used in phosphors in colour TV tubes.

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