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Formula: Gd
Rare earth element. Gadolinium is not found free in nature, but
it occurs mainly in
monazite and bastnäsite.
When present in compounds, it exists generally in the trivalent state Gd3+.
Specific gravity: 7.895
Colour: Silvery white
Solubility: Reacts slowly with water and is soluble in dilute acid
Melting point: 1314oC
Boiling point: 3260oC
Magnetism: At room temperature the metal is paramagnetic, but it becomes ferromagnetic (strongly attracted by a
magnet) when cooled (ChC).
Abundance in the Earth's crust: 5.2 parts per million by mass, 0.7 parts per million by moles
(ChC).
Abundance in the Solar System: 2 parts per billion by mass, 10 parts per trillion by moles
(ChC).
Gadolinium-bearing minerals include:
Carbonates
lepersonnite-(Gd)
Phosphates
monazite-(Gd)
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