Named after gadolinite, one of the minerals which contains gadolinium among other rare earth elements by the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin in 1800, gadolinium was first detected spectroscopically in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac who was credited with the discovery of this element. Very small amounts of gadolinium are used in metallurgy to improve the physical and chemical characteristics of other metals including iron and chromium. It has a very high affinity for thermal neutrons. It is ferromagnetic at temperatures below its Curie point of 68 °F and above this temperature is strongly paramagnetic. It along with praseodymium has a magnetocaloric effect causing it to increase in temperature upon entering a magnetic field and decrease in temperature upon leaving one. These properties have allow for specialized industrial applications in metallurgy, MRI, X-ray, and PET imaging, nuclear reactors, solid state laser systems, and solid oxide fuel cells. Its magnetocaloric property may allow for magnetic refrigeration systems in the future. Worldwide annual production is about 400 tonnes per year. It along with the other rare earth metals sit atop the British Geologic Survey's Risk List. We had fun with a recent article about the rising gadolinium levels in San Francisco Bay. The link is included below.
Inscribed on our ingots are the chemical symbol (Gd), purity (99.9%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). On the reverse is our logo. These ingots are lightly polished, similar to the one pictured. There can be small edge dings, scratches and other small imperfections which do not detract from the inherent value of this rare earth metal. Gadolinium is relatively stable in dry air, but will quickly oxidize in moist air and will react with water. It is best stored in a cool, dry place. A coating of paraffin oil will help to minimize oxidation. As always, weight and purity are guaranteed by Rare World Metals Mint. The solid ingot form of gadolinium is considered safe when handled appropriately. Gadolinium compounds are used as MRI contrast agents and have been linked with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a serious and potentially lethal illness when given to patients with poor kidney function, so injecting it of course would be a really bad idea. Please keep these ingots intact and in a safe place, do not ingest (or inject!), and keep out of the reach of children.
Each ingot will be shipped with an assay certificate and every shipment will include our velvet logo bag. If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $99 (enter code free shipping at checkout). For orders of $99 or under, domestic shipping is $9.95. International shipping is via DHL, FedEx, or USPS international express and costs $45 for shipments up to a pound (9 one ounce ingots or less including packaging materials) and $10 for each additional pound. International customers please be aware that your country may levy import duties and/or VAT taxes on your purchase from us. We have nothing to do with this and cannot pay it for you. If you refuse our package because of this extra cost we will take it back and will refund your order in full once received minus the cost of the return shipping. If you are unsure what these import costs will be please check with your country's customs office.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadolinium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_elements_in_Earth%27s_crust
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/riskList.html
http://www.rwmmint.com/blogs/news/84645508-now-thats-a-lot-of-pee-water-err-sea-water
