A novel compound Gd3+-substituted Li0.35Zn0.3GdxFe2.35-xO4 (x=0.1) spinel ferrite was successfully synthesized via citrate-gel combustion. XRD patterns confirm formation of single phase compound (with average 15 nm crystallites) after annealing an as-prepared powder at 400 degrees C for 2 h in air. This sample shows a lower lattice parameter 0.8440 nm as compared to 0.8443 nm in parent compound Li0.35Zn0.3GdxFe2.35-xO4. Substitution by a paramagnetic ion Gd3+ -> Fe3+ weakens magnetic super-exchange interactions. Large saturation magnetization M-s = 75.56 emu/g (with coercivity H-c = 11.55 Oe) in the parent sample is reduced to 51.41 emu/g (with a higher H-c = 61.43 Oe) on substitution. Dielectric constant 8, of 535 (with a loss tan 8 of 2.48) inLi(0.35)Zn(0.3)Gd(x)Fe(2.35-x)O(4) has dropped to 118 (with tan delta = 0.62) in the Li0.35Zn0.3GdxFe2.35-xO4 at 1 kHz. Dielectric properties can be explained from polarization effect. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.