Gadolinium (Gd) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Gadolinium is a chemical element with symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a silvery-white, malleable and ductile rare-earth metal. It is found in nature only in combined (salt) form.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Gadolinium is [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 25, 9, 2.
Physical and chemical properties
Gadolinium is classified as a lanthanide. It has an atomic mass of 157.253 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.
Real-world uses of Gadolinium
Gadolinium, a lanthanide, is used in magnets, electronics, lighting, and other specialized high-tech applications.
Interesting facts about Gadolinium
- Gadolinium has the atomic number 64 and chemical symbol Gd.
- It belongs to period 6, group 3 of the periodic table.
- Gadolinium was discovered by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.
Explore Gadolinium interactively
Want to compare Gadolinium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Gd to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Gadolinium used for?
Gadolinium, a lanthanide, is used in magnets, electronics, lighting, and other specialized high-tech applications.
What is the atomic number of Gadolinium?
The atomic number of Gadolinium is 64, meaning it has 64 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Gadolinium?
The electron configuration of Gadolinium is [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2.
Is Gadolinium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Gadolinium is classified as a lanthanide.