Gadolinium is obtained from rare earth ores that contain mixed elements. The ore is mined and beneficiated to separate valuable minerals from waste material.
The ore is treated with strong acids to dissolve rare earth elements, creating a concentrated solution rich in rare earths.
Organic solvents are used to selectively separate gadolinium from other rare earths within the solution.
Gadolinium is precipitated as gadolinium oxalate, then calcined at high temperatures to produce gadolinium oxide.
The oxide is reduced with agents like calcium or magnesium at high heat, converting it into metallic gadolinium.
Further purification steps such as vacuum distillation or zone refining improve the metal's purity.
Gadolinium is processed under controlled atmospheres to prevent oxidation during shaping. Techniques like vacuum annealing and polishing preserve its metallic luster.