Atomic Number
64
Element 64
Gadolinium (Gd)
Gadolinium is a chemical element with symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a silvery-white, malleable and ductile rare-earth metal.
Atomic Mass
157.25 u
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
Lanthanide series
Phase
solid
Density
7.9 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 25, 9, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 64. Electrons: 64. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁷ 5d¹
Why Gadolinium Matters
Gadolinium helps connect atomic number 64, lanthanide behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 157.25 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁷ 5d¹ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Gadolinium was discovered 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac. Gadolinium is a chemical element with symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a silvery-white, malleable and ductile rare-earth metal.
Safety and Handling Context
Gadolinium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Gadolinium?
- Gadolinium has atomic number 64, which means a neutral atom has 64 protons and 64 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Gadolinium?
- The chemical symbol for Gadolinium is Gd.
- What category is Gadolinium in?
- Gadolinium is classified as a lanthanide and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Gadolinium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Gadolinium to neighboring elements without losing your place.