(gadolinite, mineral named after the Finnish chemist Gadolin) Discovered separately by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1880 and Mosander in 1886. Found in minerals including monazite and bastininte. Isolated only recently.
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rare earth metal, silvery-white, metallic luster, malleable, ductile, two allotropic forms, 17 isotopes, ferromagnetic (strongly attracted by a magnet)
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superconductive properties, phosphors for color TV tubes, alloying to improve resistance, possible magnetic use