Element 64
Gadolinium
Lanthanides
Gadolinium (Gd) is in the f-block of the periodic table — group 3, period 6.
Gadolinium is a chemical element with symbol Gd and atomic number 64.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 64
- Atomic mass
- 157.253 u
- Group / Period
- 3 / 6
- Block
- f-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 7.9 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 1311.8 °C
- Boiling point
- 2999.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2
Periodic table block
Gadolinium is in the f-block (group 3, period 6). Elements land in the f-block when their highest-energy electrons fill an f subshell — these are the lanthanides and actinides shown beneath the main table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •MRI contrast
- •Microwave components
- •Magnetic refrigeration
Discovery
Year: 1880
Discovered by: Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Gadolinium?
Gadolinium has atomic number 64. Its symbol is Gd and its atomic mass is 157.253 u.
What category of element is Gadolinium?
Gadolinium is classified as lanthanides. It sits in group 3, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Gadolinium in?
Gadolinium is in the f-block (group 3, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the f subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2.
What is Gadolinium used for?
Common uses of Gadolinium include: MRI contrast, Microwave components, Magnetic refrigeration.
When was Gadolinium discovered?
Gadolinium was discovered in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.
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