Discovered : by J.C. Galissard de Marignac in 1880 Isolated in Geneva, Switzerland Origin : The element is named after J. Gadolin, a Finnish chemist. Description : A silvery metal, but not used for much because it reacts with oxygen and water. It is employed as an alloy for making magnets and electronic components and in the recording heads of video recorders. Image : Gadolinium also used in TV screens.