Gadolinium is one of the most intriguing rare earth elements known for its unique magnetic, chemical, and industrial properties. It might not be as widely recognized as gold or platinum, but in high-tech industries—especially medical imaging and aerospace—gadolinium is indispensable. Below, you'll discover key gadolinium facts, from its properties and uses to how AEM REE supplies this essential metal to advanced sectors worldwide.
| Property | Details |
| Element Symbol | Gd |
| Atomic Number | 64 |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metal |
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1313°C |
| Magnetic Behavior | Paramagnetic at room temperature |
| Common Applications | MRI contrast agents, magnets, alloys, nuclear control rods |
| Where Found | Monazite and bastnäsite minerals, mainly in China, USA, and Australia |
Gadolinium is a rare earth metal with the chemical symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It was first discovered in 1880 by Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac and later named after the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin. This silvery-white metal is soft, malleable, and highly reactive with air and moisture. Despite being rarely discussed outside scientific circles, it plays a major role in modern technology and industry.
One of the most remarkable gadolinium facts is its magnetic versatility. Unlike many metals, gadolinium is paramagnetic at room temperature. This means it becomes magnetized when exposed to an external magnetic field but loses magnetism once the field is removed. When cooled below 20°C (its Curie point), it turns ferromagnetic, meaning it becomes strongly magnetic. This unique property has made gadolinium valuable in advanced imaging systems and magnetic refrigeration.
Where is gadolinium found? Gadolinium naturally occurs in rare earth minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. These minerals also contain other elements like cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium. The largest reserves of gadolinium are primarily located in China. Significant deposits also found in the United States, Australia, India, and Brazil. Extracting gadolinium from these ores involves complex separation and refining processes to ensure high purity.
AEM REE specializes in these purification techniques, providing gadolinium metals with purity levels of 99.9% to 99.999%. Our products meet the strict requirements of scientific and industrial applications.
In industries such as aerospace, electronics, and medical technology, gadolinium's reliability and magnetic behavior make it an irreplaceable component. It may be "rare", but its contributions are vast—impacting technologies that shape modern life.
Among all rare earth metals, gadolinium stands out for its remarkable physical and chemical properties. Understanding these properties helps engineers and researchers select gadolinium for applications that demand high performance and precision.
Gadolinium has an atomic number of 64 and belongs to the lanthanide series of the periodic table. It has a density of 7.9 grams per cubic centimeter and a melting point of 1313°C, making it a moderately heavy and heat-resistant element. The metal appears silvery-white with a slightly glossy surface. When exposed to air, it quickly develops a thin oxide layer that helps prevent further corrosion. However, in moist environments, it can still oxidize or tarnish over time.
What truly sets gadolinium apart is its magnetic property. It is paramagnetic at room temperature—meaning it weakly attracts magnets. However, it becomes ferromagnetic below 20°C (the Curie temperature). This unusual magnetic transformation is rare. It makes gadolinium extremely useful in specialized magnetic and imaging technologies.
Another important fact is that gadolinium has a very high neutron absorption cross-section. This makes it ideal for nuclear reactor control rods where it helps regulate nuclear reactions safely. It also reacts slowly with cold water but more rapidly with hot water, forming gadolinium hydroxide.
| Property | Gadolinium (Gd) | Terbium (Tb) | Dysprosium (Dy) |
| Atomic Number | 64 | 65 | 66 |
| Magnetic Type | Paramagnetic / Ferromagnetic | Ferromagnetic | Ferromagnetic |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1313 | 1356 | 1412 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.5 |
Did You Know? Gadolinium's magnetic response is so strong that it can distort magnetic fields in its surroundings. This is one reason it's ideal for MRI contrast enhancement.
When it comes to real-world use, gadolinium is a silent hero across many high-tech industries. Here are some of the most important gadolinium facts about its applications:
Gadolinium compounds are the core of many MRI contrast agents. They enhance the clarity of medical images by altering the magnetic properties of nearby water molecules in the body. This makes it easier for doctors to detect tissue abnormalities, tumors, or vascular diseases with exceptional detail.
Gadolinium alloys are incorporated into aerospace components to improve heat resistance and magnetic control. Its light weight and high melting point make it suitable for precision applications such as satellite instruments and propulsion systems.
Gadolinium plays a key role in the emerging technology of magnetic refrigeration. This is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional gas-compression systems.
In electronics, gadolinium is used to produce components like capacitors, sensors, and data storage devices. Its magnetic stability helps improve the performance and reliability of sensitive electronic circuits.
Because gadolinium absorbs neutrons efficiently, it is used in nuclear reactor control rods to maintain safe and stable fission reactions.
Scientists and engineers use gadolinium in experiments exploring magnetism, superconductivity, and new materials for clean energy systems.
These diverse applications demonstrate how gadolinium's versatility bridges science, technology, and manufacturing. From hospitals to spacecraft, gadolinium's presence is both critical and expanding.
In manufacturing, gadolinium contributes to some of the world's most advanced materials. It is widely used in rare earth alloys that enhance the performance of magnets, motors, and sensors. For example, adding small amounts of gadolinium to iron, cobalt, or chromium alloys improves magnetic properties, corrosion resistance, and temperature stability.
In the automotive and aerospace sectors, gadolinium-based alloys support lightweight yet strong components. These materials withstand extreme temperatures and maintain magnetic control under pressure. These are essential traits for jet engines and electric vehicle motors.
The demand for gadolinium and other rare earth elements is growing rapidly. According to recent market studies, the global rare earth element market is expected to grow by over 10% annually. Gadolinium gains traction due to its medical and clean energy applications.
AEM REE's clients often require custom gadolinium materials for precise technical performance—such as specific particle sizes, shapes, or purity grades. This level of customization enables innovation in next-generation devices. These devices includes quantum computing components and magneto-optical systems.
This continuous evolution makes gadolinium not just another metal—but a key ingredient in the technologies of tomorrow.
When sourcing gadolinium for industrial or research purposes, purity and reliability are critical. AEM REE provides gadolinium metals and compounds with purity levels ranging from 99.9% to 99.999%. This ensures our materials meet the stringent demands of advanced applications.
AEM REE offers gadolinium in multiple customizable forms such as powder, foil, rod, and alloy. Each product undergoes strict ISO 9001 certified quality control to guarantee consistency, stability, and traceability. Customers benefit from fast global shipping and responsive technical support. We ensure smooth collaboration from inquiry to delivery.
AEM REE understands that each client has unique requirements. Whether it's high-purity gadolinium for medical imaging research or industrial-grade metal for alloy production, AEM REE tailors solutions to meet exact specifications.
Handling gadolinium requires attention to both safety and sustainability. As with other rare earth elements, it must be stored properly to prevent oxidation or unwanted reactions. Gadolinium metal should be kept in a dry environment, ideally under mineral oil or in sealed containers to avoid moisture contact.
From an environmental standpoint, gadolinium mining and processing can generate waste if not properly managed. That's why AEM REE prioritizes responsible sourcing from trusted partners and compliance with international environmental standards. The company also supports the recycling and recovery of rare earth materials whenever possible to reduce environmental impact.
When used in medical applications, gadolinium-based contrast agents are regulated carefully. Most gadolinium used in MRI scans is bound in stable compounds to prevent biological reactivity, ensuring patient safety.
Safe Handling Tips:
Partnering with a certified supplier like AEM REE ensures clients meet regulatory standards and environmental best practices while accessing top-quality materials.
Gadolinium offers a combination of magnetic strength, thermal stability, and versatility unmatched by most other metals. It has unique ability to transition between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic states. This makes it essential in high-performance systems ranging from MRI scanners to aircraft components.
Key Benefits Recap:
When selecting a gadolinium supplier, quality, purity, and reliability are what truly matter. AEM REE stands out as a trusted global partner, offering top-tier gadolinium products designed to exceed industry standards.
| Metal | Magnetic Strength | Typical Use | Relative Cost |
| Gadolinium | Very High | MRI, alloys, magnets | Moderate |
| Neodymium | High | Permanent magnets | Moderate |
| Dysprosium | High | High-temp magnets | High |
Gadolinium is more than just a rare earth element—it is a cornerstone of progress in science, medicine, and technology. From enhancing MRI scans and enabling nuclear reactor safety to improving display systems and magnetocaloric cooling, this extraordinary metal continues to shape the future of innovation. Understanding where gadolinium is found, how it is processed, and why it is so valuable allows us to appreciate its crucial role in modern industries.
At AEM REE, we are dedicated to providing high-purity gadolinium products that meet the most demanding industrial and research standards. With years of expertise in rare earth materials, advanced production techniques, and strict quality control, we ensure that every product delivers consistent performance and reliability. Whether you need gadolinium metal, foil, rod, or compound materials, we offer customized solutions tailored to your specifications.
If you are looking for a trusted gadolinium supplier, partner with AEM REE to unlock the full potential of this remarkable element.
Contact us today to request a quote, discuss your project requirements, or learn more about how our gadolinium products can bring exceptional value to your applications.
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