gadolinium

Gadolinium is a chemical element with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a silvery-white, soft, ductile, and magnetic metal. Gadolinium is the sixth element in the lanthanide series, and it is the most abundant of the lanthanides.

Gadolinium is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent in MRI scans. It helps to improve image quality by making the tissues in the body appear brighter.
• Neutron shielding: Gadolinium is a good neutron absorber, so it is used in neutron shielding for nuclear reactors and other applications.
• Lasers: Gadolinium is used in some types of lasers.
• Glass: Gadolinium is added to some types of glass to improve its properties.

Gadolinium is a rare-earth element.