Thulium

Thulium is a chemical element with symbol Tm and atomic number 69, part of the lanthanide series on the periodic table. Discovered in 1879 by Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve, it’s named after Thule, a mythical region in Scandinavia. Though termed „rare,” thulium is more abundant than silver in the Earth’s crust. It’s usually mined from monazite sand, where it coexists with other rare earth elements.

Thulium is silver-gray, soft enough to be cut with a knife, and has a bright luster. Stable in air and resistant to corrosion, it has one naturally occurring isotope, Tm-169, which is not radioactive. However, radioactive isotopes can be created in nuclear reactors for medical imaging and cancer treatment as it emits X-rays.

In technology, thulium is used in lasers for medical and dental procedures, and in solid-state electronics. Despite these uses, its rarity makes it expensive and limits its widespread application. Thulium also finds a role in research due to its unique properties among the rare earth elements.

 

Can thulium fiber laser aiming beam?

The exploration of minerals and stones has always been a fascinating journey for scientists, geologists, and enthusiasts alike. Among the plethora of elements that the Earth’s crust holds, rare earth elements (REEs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and applications. Thulium, one of the lesser-known REEs, has recently been spotlighted in the […]

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Is thulium magnetic yes or no?

Thulium, a lesser-known member of the lanthanide series of elements, often sparks curiosity due to its unique properties and applications. Among the questions frequently asked about this rare earth element is whether it is magnetic. This article delves into the magnetic properties of thulium, exploring the science behind magnetism in materials, thulium’s characteristics, and its

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Is thulium a metal nonmetal or metalloid?

Thulium, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts in the periodic table, holds a unique position in the world of elements. This rare earth metal, with its silvery-gray luster, is not only a fascinating subject for scientific research but also has practical applications that impact various industries. In this article, we will delve into the

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Thulium’s Place in the Rare Earth Element Family

The exploration of rare earth elements (REEs) has become increasingly important in the modern world, given their critical role in various high-tech applications, from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and military equipment. Among these elements, thulium, often overshadowed by its more famous siblings such as neodymium and cerium, holds a unique position. This

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