We present a detailed investigation of single-crystal samples of the magnetic compound ${\mathrm{Gd}}_2{\mathrm{AlSi}}_3$, which crystallizes in the $\alpha \text{−}{\mathrm{ThSi}}_2$-type tetragonal structure. We report the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, heat capacity, electrical resistivity, and magnetoresistance for magnetic fields applied along both the tetragonal $c$-axis and in the basal $ab$ plane. X-ray diffraction measurements confirm a centrosymmetric, $I{4}_1/amd$ space group of the crystal structure. Despite single-site occupancy of the Gd position in this tetragonal structure, we identify two successive antiferromagnetic phase transitions at Neél temperatures 32 K and 23 K via magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and transport measurements, as well as a complex magnetic interaction with a magnetic anisotropy that plays an important role in the direction-dependent transport response. Our identification of multiple magnetic phases in ${\mathrm{Gd}}_2{\mathrm{AlSi}}_3$, where Gd is the only magnetic species, helps to elucidate the field-induced skyrmionic behavior in the Gd-based intermetallic compounds.

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• Magnetism
• Magnetotransport
• Skyrmions
• X-ray diffraction