64
Gadolinium
Atomic Number64
Atomic Mass157.25 u
CategoryLanthanide
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1880
About Gadolinium
Used as MRI contrast agent to highlight blood vessels and tumors. Has the highest neutron absorption of any element, useful in nuclear reactors. Named after Johan Gadolin, the father of Finnish chemistry. Gadolinium-153 is used in bone density measurements. Exhibits the magnetocaloric effect, heating up in magnetic fields and cooling when removed.
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