Gadolinium

Atomic Number: 64
Symbol: Gd
Atomic Mass: 157.25 u
Number of Neutrons: 93
Melting Point: 1313°C
Boiling Point: 3272°C
Electrons per shell: 2.8.18.25.9.2
Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s²

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Gadolinium is the 64th element in the periodic table and it is in the lanthanide series. It is a silvery-white metal. It gets a black coating when it is exposed to atmospheric oxygen. Also, it is only slightly malleable. This element is one of the most abundant rare-elements but it is only never found in nature as a free element. It can be found in ores and minerals such as gadolinite. This ore can be found in China, USA, Brazil, Sri Lanka, India and Australia. Gadolinium can be used for a very important reason. It is found in 1 in 3 of MRI scans to improve the clarity of images. It improves the visibility of inflammation, tumours, and blood vessels. Gadolinium was discovered in 1880 by Jean Charles de Marignac.

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