Johan Gadolin was a Finnish chemist and mineralogist born on June 5, 1760, in Turku, Finland. He is best known for his discovery of the element yttrium in 1794, which he identified while studying a rare mineral called ytterbite. His work laid the foundation for the field of rare earth elements. Gadolin's contributions to science extended beyond his discovery of yttrium. He also published important research on the properties of minerals and their chemical compositions. His legacy continues to influence modern chemistry and mineralogy, making him a significant figure in the history of science.