Element 64 · Lanthanide (Rare Earth)
Gadolinium
Gadolinium contrast agents make MRI scans clearer — and gadolinium magnetic alloys may revolutionise refrigeration.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
Gd
ATOMIC NO.
64
ATOMIC WEIGHT
157.25
CATEGORY
Lanthanide (Rare Earth)
PERIOD
Period 6
GROUP
Group 3
Historical Uses
Gadolinium was identified spectroscopically in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac and isolated in 1886 by Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran. Named after Johan Gadolin, the Finnish chemist who discovered the rare earth oxides. Gadolinium has the highest neutron absorption cross-section of any stable element, making it valuable in nuclear reactor control. It was also used in television phosphors.
Overview
Gadolinium is element 64. It has the highest neutron capture cross-section of any stable element, making it useful in nuclear control rods and shielding. Gadolinium also exhibits the magnetocaloric effect — heating when magnetised, cooling when demagnetised — being explored for solid-state refrigeration replacing CFC and HFC gases.
Current Uses
Gadolinium-DTPA contrast agents for MRI scans (administered to millions of patients annually). Gadolinium-stabilised zirconia ceramics. Nuclear reactor control rods and shielding. Specialty magnets and microwave applications.
Not Commercially Viable for Scrap
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Gadolinium:
Same rare earth scrap limitations apply — products containing gadolinium go to specialist processors.
Price Context
Gadolinium oxide trades at approximately £15–40/kg. Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents (GBCAs) are a multi-billion-pound pharmaceutical market, though tiny quantities are used per dose. Not a standard scrap material.