Gadolinium Uses

Basically, gadolinium is a rare earth metal. In the periodic table, it is categorized as a rare earth element, and belongs to the lanthanide series. It is placed in group 3 and 6th period of the periodic table, and is represented with the symbol 'Gd'.

The credit for the discovery of gadolinium goes to Swiss chemist, Jean de Marignac, who detected it in the year of 1880, while working with mineral samples of didymium and gadolinite.

It was named after well-known Finnish chemist and mineralogist, Johan Gadolin. Interestingly, the mineral gadolinite, from which gadolinium was found, also got its name after this renowned Finnish scientist. Even though the element was discovered in late nineteenth century, its usage started only in recent times. This is because, it was very difficult to isolate the element in its pure form, pertaining to its high reactivity, and its susceptibility towards corrosion.

Before we jump to the uses of gadolinium, let's learn some quick facts about it:

• The key natural sources of gadolinium are the minerals monazite and bastnäsite, in which it is found in the form of oxides.

• Due to its reactive nature, naturally occurring gadolinium cannot be found in its free state.
• In its purest form, it can be identified with its lustrous white color and crystalline structure.

• The atomic number of gadolinium is 64, and its atomic mass is 157.25.
• There are six stable isotopes of gadolinium found in nature, and there is one radioisotope which has an unstable nuclei.

• When it is exposed to dry air, it does not undergo any chemical change. If it comes in contact with moist air, it gets tarnished, and a flaky crust of oxide is formed on its surface.
• Gadolinium possesses an excellent ability to capture thermal neutrons. In fact, there is no other element with a stable nucleus that has better neutron absorption ability.

Gadolinium plays a major role in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) as a contrast agent. Medical professionals administer a solution of gadolinium compounds, intravenously, through injections into the patient's body. The solution then flows into the patient's bloodstream, and enhances internal structures of his body.

As a result, identification of abnormal cell growths and tumors becomes a lot easier. MRI with contrast, enables timely diagnosis of several serious health problems. This element is also used in other medical imaging devices, such as X-ray machines.

Besides its uses in the medical field, it has applications in many other industries. It is used in nuclear reactors, simply because it is an excellent neutron absorber. However, it cannot absorb neutrons for a long time, and for this reason, it is used for shutting down nuclear reactors in case of emergencies only.

Gadolinium oxide is used in the making of phosphor, which is required in television tubes, computer memory, and compact discs.

The magnetron tubes of microwave ovens contain gadolinium yttrium garnets. It is also added in trace amounts to various metals, like iron, chromium, etc., to increase their resistance towards heat and corrosion. Various gadolinium compounds act as catalysts for chemical reactions involved in the production of petroleum and several synthetic products.

Like any other rare earth element, elemental gadolinium could be toxic in nature. Therefore, great care should be taken while handling the element. Inhalation or ingestion of this element should be strictly avoided with suitable precautionary measures.

When it is used in the body for medical purposes, it stays in the body for a very short span of time. Owing to this reason, it is mostly safe, and no major side effects are observed. Only in the rarest of rare cases, some serious health complications may arise.