Gadolinium is a rare earth element with unique magnetic properties and is the standard MRI contrast agent used in medical imaging. It is also used in nuclear reactor shielding and high-performance magnets.
Top Uses of Gadolinium
MRI contrast agents (gadolinium chelates)
Nuclear reactor neutron absorbers
Magnetocaloric refrigeration research
Phosphors and scintillators
Top Gadolinium Producing Countries
China
Australia
United States
Russia
Why Gadolinium Is a Critical Mineral
Gadolinium is medically irreplaceable as an MRI contrast agent and has unique nuclear applications. Supply concentration in China creates healthcare supply chain risks.
Related Critical Minerals
Dysprosium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Terbium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Yttrium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Erbium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Holmium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Lutetium — Both heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with supply concentrated in China
Frequently Asked Questions about Gadolinium
What is the price of gadolinium today?
Critical Minerals HQ tracks the live gadolinium price in USD/kg, refreshed every 15 minutes during market hours from institutional pricing feeds.
What is gadolinium used for?
Gadolinium is a rare earth element with unique magnetic properties and is the standard MRI contrast agent used in medical imaging. It is also used in nuclear reactor shielding and high-performance magnets.
Which countries produce the most gadolinium?
The leading producers of gadolinium are China, Australia, United States, according to the latest USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries.
Why is gadolinium considered a critical mineral?
Gadolinium is medically irreplaceable as an MRI contrast agent and has unique nuclear applications. Supply concentration in China creates healthcare supply chain risks.