Gadolinium (Gd): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Gadolinium is a rare earth element best known for its use in MRI contrast agents. Gadolinium also absorbs neutrons very strongly and is used in nuclear applications, and China added it to its export licensing list in April 2025.
| Symbol | Gd |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 64 |
| Group | Heavy rare earth (HREE) |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | MRI contrast agents; Nuclear applications; Magnets and alloys |
| Main sources | Co-produced with other rare earths in bastnaesite, monazite and ionic clays |
| China export status | Export licence required (since April 2025) |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Gadolinium Price
There is no public benchmark for gadolinium. Export licensing has affected availability outside China.
For the rare earths that do have public price series, see the rare earth price charts, and how rare earth pricing works for why most rare earths have no transparent benchmark.
What Is Gadolinium Used For?
- MRI contrast agents. Gadolinium-based contrast agents make tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly in MRI scans.
- Nuclear applications. Gadolinium is one of the strongest neutron absorbers and is used in reactor fuel and shielding.
- Magnets and alloys. Gadolinium is added to some magnet and alloy formulations and is studied for magnetic refrigeration.
Where Does Gadolinium Come From?
Gadolinium is co-produced with other rare earths and separated mainly in China. Like europium, it sits near the light-heavy boundary, so it appears in both light and heavy rare earth groupings.
China export controls on gadolinium
China has required an export licence for this element since April 2025, alongside samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. Licences are granted case by case, which has caused delays and price gaps between China and other markets.
How to Invest in Gadolinium
Gadolinium exposure comes only as a by-product of broader rare earth production. The companies that profit most directly from gadolinium are the pharmaceutical makers of MRI contrast agents, which do not depend on rare earth prices.
For broader rare earth exposure, see the rare earth stock watchlist or the rare earth ETF comparison.
Gadolinium Investment Risks
- Medical demand is steady but small relative to rare earth output.
- Supply depends on Chinese export licences.
Gadolinium FAQ
What is gadolinium used for?
Gadolinium is used mainly in MRI contrast agents and in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber. It also has uses in magnets and alloys.
Is gadolinium a heavy rare earth?
Gadolinium is often grouped with the heavy rare earths, but some classifications treat it as a light rare earth because it sits at the boundary of the two groups.
Does China control gadolinium exports?
Yes, China has required export licences for gadolinium since April 2025, along with six other medium and heavy rare earths.
Other Heavy rare earth (HREE) Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.