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.
The world of rare earth elements is both fascinating and complex, with thulium being one of the most intriguing yet least discussed among them. This silvery metal, nestled amidst the lanthanide series on the periodic table, holds significant value in various high-tech applications, from lasers to nuclear medicine. However, navigating its supply chain presents a […]
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The quest for rare earth elements (REEs) has become a significant aspect of global geopolitics, with thulium, one of the least abundant REEs, standing out due to its unique properties and applications. Thulium, with the atomic number 69, is used in various high-tech industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and medical imaging. The geopolitical dynamics surrounding
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Thulium, a lesser-known member of the lanthanide series of the periodic table, is a rare earth element with unique properties and a wide range of applications in today’s high-tech world. Despite its relative obscurity, thulium plays a crucial role in modern technology, from medical imaging to laser devices. This article explores the journey of thulium
Thulium: From Mineral Extraction to High-Tech Application Read More »
The exploration of advanced materials plays a pivotal role in the development of next-generation nuclear reactors. Among these materials, rare earth elements (REEs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and potential to revolutionize nuclear technology. Thulium, one of the lesser-known REEs, has emerged as a candidate with promising applications in the nuclear
The Role of Thulium in Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors Read More »
